Coastal ecosystems are both a productive environment and rich in biodiversity, with natural coastal reefs providing a substrate for the development of a whole range of species of flora and fauna.

50% of the world's primary resources are produced in the first 200 metres of water.

With global warming and the rapid urbanisation of coastal areas, the degradation of natural reefs is well underway, despite the fact that they provide a range of ecosystem services of direct concern to local populations. These reefs preserve fish stocks by providing refuges while developing biomass. By helping to reduce wave energy (breaking waves) and modifying the direction of currents and waves, these elements play a vital role in combating coastal erosion. Located in shallow waters, these reefs are undeniably attractive to tourists (diving, surfing, sport fishing).

The aim of the HAV Normand project is to propose an engineering solution that takes account of the need to adapt and protect coastlines under the impact of climate change, while preserving the ecosystem and promoting tourist appeal. The acceptability of these engineering solutions, which appear to have a high impact, is to push the structure back below the limit of low tide while guaranteeing its stability under the action of storms.  The multitude of assembled blocks will thus form a macro structure which, through its size, orientation and proximity to the waves, will act on three main functions:

• Creating biodiversity
• Coastal erosion protection
• Tourist appeal

The main aim of the project is to create, test and validate a complete coastal engineering solution adapted to the Normandy coastline in order to: 

• Preserving fish stocks and water quality
• Improve the economic sector (tourism, fishing, etc.)
• Increase the attractiveness and influence of the Normandy region with an innovative solution to complex problems, particularly in the Channel area 
• Improving resilience to climate change 
• Proposing environmental compensation measures for offshore wind farm projects, the expansion and construction of port areas, etc.
• Transfer local technology to industry and export to other regions

The HAV Normand project has a total budget of €298,182. It is an Operation supported by the State via the National Fund for Regional Planning and Development (FNADT) up to 50%.