Risks linked to the ground and subsurface
The partner interview
Olivier Jacob Prefect, Director General for French Overseas Territories
When does the DGOM use the services of BRGM?
Olivier Jacob — BRGM has been a partner of the General Directorate for French Overseas Territories (DGOM) for a number of years now, providing expertise on climate change issues in these regions, with particular emphasis on water management and the receding coastline. BRGM is also helping us to establish subsurface potential for the energy transition, and in particular to characterise geothermal potential as part of the national geothermal plan. As part of this it has produced an exhaustive study of the current state of this potential in Guadeloupe, Martinique, Reunion Island, Mayotte and Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon. BRGM is also providing expertise in mineral resources to support the ecological and digital transitions, and is taking part in the assessment of natural, seismic and volcanic risks.
What work is being carried out?
O. J. — In the case of water, for example, following the severe drought on the island of Mayotte in 2023, we asked BRGM for scientific and technical support in research and operational activities, as well as in protecting and monitoring the quantity and quality of groundwater. In 2022, BRGM drew up a set of recommendations for municipalities on mapping local exposure to receding coastlines. We also assessed the economic impact of the coastal risks arising from climate change on the Guadeloupe coast and studied the geothermal potential of the non-interconnected areas of the volcanic islands of Guadeloupe, Martinique, Reunion and Mayotte. Other studies are in progress, including the sustainable management of aquifer resources in Guadeloupe, the revision of landslide hazard maps in Martinique, and the mapping of coastal flooding hazards in seven municipalities at risk in Guadeloupe.
What is your assessment of this collaboration?
O. J. — Owing to its strong presence in French overseas territories, BRGM has in-depth knowledge of these areas, in terms of both resources and natural hazards. BRGM has a key role to play in improving our knowledge in these areas and advancing scientific research for the benefit of French overseas territories.
