The scientific branch aims to collect scientific data on the rate of sea level rise and put together projections for 2100 to deliver a map of marine submersion risks that includes occasional submersions and initial reflections on the lagoon and peripheral environments evolutions. The initiative entails several approaches and sciences, building upon exchanges and synergies between different fields (hydrogeology, ecology, geography, sociology, environmental psychology, cultural approach, education). This section benefits from the support of the Park’s Scientific Council, which strengthens the link with the scientific community. 

The SALIN programme (salinisation of coastal aquifers in the Narbonnaise region) is a good example of the research projects carried out under the La Mer Monte programme. This 3-year programme (2019-2021) will be conducted in 4 main stages:

• (1) Production of an inventory of the qualitative state of the soils and the quaternary (underlying) water table.
• (2) Characterisation of the hydrogeological functioning of the water table, soil/water table relations, definition of different features of the hydrological balance and the origin of salinity.
• (3) Evaluation of the impacts of climate change on the quantitative and qualitative state of the system (in particular, evaluation of the evolution of salinity). Understanding of the impact of current agricultural and non-agricultural management practices on salinity.
• (4) Proposal of adaptation scenarios, to support sustainable agriculture, maintenance of the quality of the water table and a good state of natural areas.

Capacity building and knowledge sharing are central to this programme that includes a cultural and mediation component. 

The cultural component of the La Mer Monte programme explores, in a changing context, human’s relationship with the sea, myths and utopias. The project, which runs for three years, invites a different artist each year to encourage multiple approaches and views. The latter should question the representation of the invisible and the inaudible, and the invention of possible futures. This companionship allows for a continuity of relations with the territory and its inhabitants. Urban planning workshops are held in schools.

The mediation aspect experiments with various formats: creative sprints, scientific meetings, knowledge and prospection workshop, landscape reading to self-project and imagine the future territory of the Narbonnaise with a rise in sea level.