The past year is a testimony to SMACOPI’s 30
years in existence.
At the beginning of the New Year which is taking us
towards other challenges, I wish to outline the structure that I am
pleased to chair.
261 people were employed in 2004. 70% of the 4.4
million Euros salary bill was financed by visitors to the tourism
infrastructures of the Somme Estuary and its region.
These figures are proof, for those still in doubt
that our development approach is first of all beneficial to those who
live or wish to carry on living in this area.
Quite often, political mandates bring with them
many frustrations, because, beyond the euphoria of electoral success it
is often difficult to affect the destiny of citizens.
At SMACOPI, the actions of elected candidates are
measured by tangible economic and social results.
We hope that 2005 will allow us to preserve and to
share with you our renewed ambitions for the Somme Estuary.
approach has been: the North side of the Somme
Estuary is an economic success. Listing is a powerful development tool.
We are currently engaged in the listing phase for the South side of the
Somme Estuary which will benefit from the same procedure; it is very
appropriate for this site which is becoming an area of significant
development projects. Listing is the first step towards sustainable
development and economic growth.
It gives a real coherence to all the future
initiatives for the Somme Estuary described in Catherine
Bersani’s* report to the Sites Commission (Commission
supérieure des sites) of 21st October 2004, highlighting
“their special status in
the natural and cultural heritage of our
region”. The Somme Estuary is becoming an eminent landmark which
will lead to its listing as “Grand site national”
(Nationally listed site).
*General Inspector for Infrastructure at the
Ministry of Infrastructure, Transport, Special Planning, Tourism and
the Sea
