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For several months now, a survey has been conducted among the population as part of the Safe Saint-Barth project. The aim was to assess the population's knowledge of the major natural hazards that could strike the island (cyclones, earthquakes, etc.). Yesterday, Wednesday January 8, researchers and teachers from Montpellier's Paul Valéry University presented the results at a public meeting held at Gustavia's harbor master's office.
"A mediating role
Stéphanie Defossez, senior lecturer at the University of Montpellier, Tony Rey, geographer and geomorphologist, and Eden Gréaux, research engineer and collaborator on the Safe Harbor project, presented the results of the study.Eden Gréaux, research engineer, collaborator on the Safe project and editor of the questionnaire presented to local residents, presented the results of the survey for around 30 minutes. This is a major survey on major risks, technological, health, etc.," explains Stéphanie Defossez. Its aim was to assess the level of risk awareness among the population, to find out whether they are sufficiently prepared, and also to gain a better understanding of their needs and expectations. "Tony Rey adds: "Our role is to act as a mediator between politicians and the general public, with the idea of providing feedback on what the population needs. The aim is to avoid damage and victims. "
The questionnaire, with its 98 questions and sub-questions, was divided into four themes: feelings of exposure to risk, feedback and experiences, preparedness for future events, and requests for information. And the results were very different from those gathered from populations in other overseas territories.
A genuine risk culture in Saint-Barth
Saint-Barthélemy is well aware of the risk," sums up Stéphanie Defossez. There's a real culture of risk, with knowledge firmly rooted and advice passed on. Whether in families, friends or neighbors. What's more, Saint-Barth is an island with a wealth of human, economic and organizational resources to add to this local knowledge. All this means that the island is rather well prepared. "At least in terms of hurricane risk. When it comes to landslides, earthquakes and tsunamis, the questions asked by respondents to the questionnaire were numerous.
That was the advantage of this questionnaire," notes Eden Gréaux, "which has a double effect. By answering the questions, people realize that they are missing information on certain subjects. So they ask the questions themselves. "What's more, the survey confirmed that the people most concerned about major natural hazards are natives or those who have already experienced an event.
Intergenerational workshops
"Even if we are well prepared for cyclones, we need to maintain and broaden our knowledge of other risks", insists Tony Rey. So, as part of the Safe project, the scientists would like to set up inter-generational workshops, as well as awareness-raising initiatives for younger people. Stéphanie Defossez insists: "It's all about valuing knowledge and passing it on. During interviews, those who talk about tsunamis or earthquakes are local people who have benefited from a family tradition. "Eden Gréaux smiles: "During the interviews for my dissertation, some of the elders told me: small huts, small doors, no wind. "
On Wednesday evening, the scientists were able to discuss the results of the survey with those present. Obtaining this essential feedback. Also, and above all, because the Safe Saint-Barth project, initiated in partnership with the Collectivité territoriale, will run until June 2026. "We're on an island with a very receptive population, so we have to make the most of it," enthuses Stéphanie Defossez.
