Maritime public domain and marine environment in Mauritania

The nomads' empirical definition of the Mauritanian coastline corresponds exactly to the geographical influence of the sea, in terms of the ground limits of shell, sea breeze and marine humidity, and even the distinction of coastal vegetation. However, the official definition of the Mauritanian coastline (ordinance 2007) stipulates that the coastline corresponds: "The maritime, insular and continental parts of the national territory defined as, for example, the territorial sea, the national maritime parks, the communes listed in 2007, etc."The absence of any real management of the public maritime domain is due to the very ambiguity of this official definition, which takes no account of either the specific geographical features of the coastline, or the culture of this area of the national territory, which is so important to the national economy. The marine environment is no exception, and remains poorly understood, compounded by a notorious confusion between marine and maritime environments.However, we can now embark on a policy for a State with a maritime vocation, which integrates both its maritime territory and its hinterland.

Autorentext

EL MOCTAR EL HACEN AHMED SALEM :Has been a professor at the University of Nouakchott since 1988, and is currently in charge of INEM (Institut environnemental de Mauritanie). Director of DATAR-Mauritania from 1994 to 2007.