Abstract
Risk managers share experience and knowledge related to the territory in which they operate. This construction of memories allows an appropriation and a mastery of the territory. However, when it comes to anticipating a risk, how do these enduring and shared memories come into play? Can they influence appropriate management? Semi-structured interviews were conducted with flood risk managers in two exposed municipalities: Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône and Grau-du-Roi. In these two territories, there is a strong attachment and dependence on their coastal identity, which leads to a continuous blend of memories, present issues and future projections.Port-Saint-Louis managers display a traditional coastal identity. They do not consider the plurality of floods experienced and they minimise future risks to maintain the continuity of their current way of life. Grau-du-Roi managers have a memory of risks consistent with the current economic challenges of their municipality and deny the risks that could impact it. In both cases, we observe the construction of a consistent memory according to the present issues of the territory which influences the perception and in fact the management of future floods. The cognitive need for identity consistency over time impacts and explains the risk management strategies.