The CEDETE (Study Center for the Development of Territories and the Environment), is part of the continuity of reflections defined since 2007 on the development of territories and the environment, through a “sustainable development” approach. The arrival of sociologists and psycho-sociologists a little over 10 years ago (2009) has reinforced a research focus on the social, sustainable and mutually supportive development of territories.
Although sustainable development is still a reference point, the members of CEDETE cannot ignore the debates and critical re-readings that the notion has provoked, and which have been incorporated into the reflections carried out. They have therefore proposed a renewed and updated approach, focusing on the “dynamics of adaptation of territories and societies to socio-environmental change”. The study of sustainable development practices and their construction/productions/projects favors an approach based on environmental and social dynamics, in a context of environmental change and environmental/ecological, social and economic transition, in the construction of sustainable territories.
A multidisciplinary team focused on geography
The CEDETE is a laboratory of the University of Orléans (EA 1210), located on the Orléans - la Source Campus, which also includes members of the Bourges IUT. As part of the “Humanities Cultures Societies” thematic group of the University of Orléans, it is involved in the scientific field of human and social sciences through a “territorial sciences” approach. Its 18 full professors (including one professor emeritus) are mostly geographers (15 in CNU 23/24); three colleagues are sociologists (2 in CNU 19) or psycho-sociologists (1 in CNU 16). Two of the geographers are also specialists in sports studies (CNU 74).
Research themes
Two themes are highlighted. The first relates to water territories, limnosystems, hydrosystems and wetlands, in the context of adaptation to socio-environmental change. Water bodies, lakes and ponds, hydrosystems and wetlands are considered from a physical, environmental, human and social (development, governance) perspective.
The second deals with the dynamics of sustainable local/territorial development of societies and territories in the context of socio-environmental transitions. It interweaves different scales of analysis, on issues relating to the ecological and energy transition, the enhancement of heritage, natural and cultural resources, sustainable rural and urban development, including those linked to sports and leisure practices, right through to social and solidarity-based approaches to local development.
Methodologies linked to geomatics, big data and open data, which are also used in environmental sciences, call into question the ways in which environmental and socio-environmental data are acquired, processed, analyzed and put into perspective. At the CEDETE laboratory, this methodological approach is complemented by qualitative and sociological investigations specific to human geography and/or local and social development approaches.
Since 2016, the CEDETE has been seeking to consolidate the central articulation between its two main research themes, around the socio-environmental dynamics of adapting territories and societies to current changes (environmental changes and their effects on societies and local territories; reaction capacities and proposed developments). This central theme combines issues related to water territories and wetlands (multi-functionality of spaces, uses and practices related to water territories, modes of governance, cultural approach to man/nature relations), with broader concerns for sustainable territorial/local development. The forms of local action are studied, whether in terms of public policies or the socio-spatial practices of local residents, with the aim of guaranteeing more sustainable development, consolidating the capacity of societies and territories to adapt or cope with socio-environmental change, or proposing various paths to “environmental transitions”.
Local and international study areas
Thematic positioning is approached from different geographical areas in France and Europe (Germany, Estonia, Romania and Italy), Russia, North Africa (mainly Algeria and Morocco), sub-Saharan Africa (Senegal, Central Africa, Gabon, Côte d'Ivoire, Benin), China, the Middle East (Lebanon) and North America. However, the CEDETE's research is also focused on local and regional development and planning concerns.
A strong teaching presence
There is close continuity between the Master's programs run by the laboratory's team of teacher-researchers and the CEDETE's research areas. The main connection is with the GAED Master's program (geography, planning, environment and development), which has been accredited for a new contract since 2018.
The GAED Master’s degree includes 3 specializations, articulating around various environmental and social dynamics:
- The GLET specialization links Geomatics and Limnology around a double Environmental and Territorial approach
- The DDLS specialization focuses on Sustainable, Local Development and Solidarity in territories with a critical approach of organization and development strategies
- The VDTR specialization, open as continuing education program, deals with the Sustainable Valorization of Rural Territories. It is the result of a partnership with the National Educational Center for Rural Family Houses (MFR) on a “local and rural development” entry.
The AMSVL Master's degree (Planning, Management and Event Promotion of Sports and Leisure Spaces), recently created (first class in 2019-2020) in the Sports Sciences Department (STAPS), has chosen to be supported by the CEDETE. This master's degree, which is open to apprentices, focuses on urban development operations and the management of sports venues: multifunctional stadiums, local facilities, sports and leisure sites and itineraries.