Chapitre 11. Le système social en Camargue. Dynamique actuelle

Throughout its history, drastic changes have occurred in the Camargue. Progress in agriculture has been characterized by an increased productivity and mechanization. This region is no longer an isolated area ; it is directly affected by general social trends and is directly dependent on the economic changes at the national and even international level. Environmental conservation in the Camargue is made difficult for a number of reasons peculiar to the area : connections between agricultural and industrial capital investments, lack of relationships between landowners and labour, political connections of local “ elites ” with the central government, emergence of a so-called regional power, and increased dependence of the local economy upon international markets. The present situation is characterized by three features : continuous investment in agricultural production, land speculation, and increased social inequalities. A big surge in agricultural profits has characterized the post-war period. This is why land investments in the Camargue have been maintained in spite of the industrial boom. More recently, profitability has decreased, but the general economic trend has also sharply slackened. The land now appears to offer strong incentive for land speculation and for social differentiation. A significant economic recovery could lead to the division of some large estates and to an increase in tertiary activities. There is no reason why the Regional Park should slow down such a change ; it could become the locus for dialogue it was meant to be. In any case, the future of the Camargue now depends more upon changes in the national economy than upon regulations of any kind.