Policy Responses and Institutional Changes

The Ministry of Environment

Responding to growing environmental concern, the government created the Ministry for the Protection of Nature and Environment in 1971, with Robert Poujade as first minister. Though initially weak and underfunded, the ministry's existence acknowledged environment as legitimate policy domain.

Early environmental legislation emerged: the 1975 waste law, the 1976 nature protection law, coastal protection measures. These laws, while limited, established legal frameworks for environmental protection. They also created new terrains for activism as groups used legal tools to challenge destructive projects.

Local Environmental Conflicts

The 1970s witnessed proliferating local environmental conflicts. The Loire river campaign united diverse constituencies against proposed dams. Mediterranean coastal communities fought against industrial complexes. Mountain regions resisted mega-ski resort developments.

These conflicts taught important lessons. Environmental victories required broad coalitions crossing class and political lines. Scientific expertise needed combining with local knowledge. Media attention could shift power balances. Legal strategies complemented direct action.

Each conflict contributed to growing environmental consciousness. Citizens who might never join national organizations became activated through local struggles. These experiences created networks of experienced activists ready for future mobilizations.