Alix Levain – PhD in environmental anthropology, CNRS(testimonial from the dossier “From the European Nitrates Directive to green algae plans in Brittany: the contributions of INRAE scientists” – 2022)
“I was lucky enough to do my thesis, splitting my time between INRAE and the Museum of Natural History, with funding from a panel of public players involved in the issue of nitrates in Brittany. In 2010, I carried out participant observation with scientists from the Acassya action-research programme, in particular Françoise Vertès and Patrick Durand. This programme is the result of a long-standing relationship with stakeholders who are highly motivated by the changes in practices in the Lieue de Grève catchment area, changes whose effects on nitrates and green algae are being quantified and modelled by researchers. I was particularly interested in the place of knowledge and scientists in these dynamics and the ambivalence of the position attributed to them in the public debate surrounding the management of diffuse pollution of agricultural origin. Since then, I have taken part in the ‘Eutrophication’ ESCo and then in the scientific support group for PLAV 2. As part of this, we have set up a training course for new elected representatives, capitalising on the knowledge acquired by those who were leaving, in the form of filmed testimonials. Today, this film is also used in conferences aimed at the general public.
Testimonial from our special report
Thematic dossier
From the European Nitrates Directive to green algae plans in Brittany: the contributions of INRAE scientists
Since the 1970s, researchers at the Institute have been studying nitrate flows of agricultural origin from the plot to the catchment area and their impact on the biological balance of aquatic environments. The agri-hydrological models they have developed have provided a better understanding of nitrate flows and have helped local players to implement regional policies. With the deployment of plans to combat green algae in Brittany (PLAV), scientists have gradually moved from the position of experts providing advice to that of mediators supporting the various stakeholders by sharing scientific knowledge on the subject. These years of experience have led to the creation of a training course dedicated to new elected representatives who are likely to become involved in the PLAV, capitalising on the knowledge of former elected representatives and on scientific knowledge.
