For over a year, the FFB – Fédération Française du Bâtiment and the CEPRI have been working together to develop the Resilient Craftspeople Meetings (Rencontres Artisans Résilients – RAR), an innovative initiative aimed at strengthening links between building professionals and the flood risk management ecosystem.
As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of flooding events, adapting existing buildings has become a major challenge. Craftspeople play a central role in this transition. The Resilient Craftspeople Meetings were therefore designed to support, mobilise and connect them with all stakeholders involved in flood risk prevention and adaptation.
A Local Mobilisation Initiative
The Resilient Craftspeople Meetings are conceived as key moments of local mobilisation, bringing together craftspeople, local authorities, technical experts and institutional partners. Their objectives are threefold:
- Reassure craftspeople about their skills and legitimacy in adapting buildings to flood risks;
- Create operational links between craftspeople, local authorities, diagnosticians and technical stakeholders;
- Facilitate the transition to action for homeowners, by improving understanding of flood-related challenges and available adaptation solutions.
Without informed, trained and motivated craftspeople, effective action on building adaptation cannot take place. This is why fostering a shared dynamic and common understanding among local actors is essential.
A Proven and Relevant Approach
The most recent Resilient Craftspeople Meeting, held in Angers at FFB Maine-et-Loire, with the support of FFB Pays de la Loire, confirmed the relevance and effectiveness of the initiative. Feedback from participants highlighted the value of practical exchanges, technical insights and direct dialogue between professionals working on flood risk adaptation.
A Practical and Accessible Format
Each Resilient Craftspeople Meeting takes the form of a two-hour session, open to all stakeholders concerned with adapting buildings to flood risk. The programme includes:
- A presentation of financial support schemes and funding opportunities available for flood adaptation works;
- Technical contributions focusing on building adaptation solutions and good practices.
The session is followed by a networking lunch, creating an informal and conducive environment for discussion between craftspeople, state services (DDT), river basin organisations, diagnosticians and technical partners. This moment of exchange is a key component of the initiative, helping to build trust and long-term cooperation at the local level.
Practical Tools to Support Action
To complement the meetings, dedicated site work notebooks have been developed to support craftspeople in implementing flood adaptation works on the ground. These practical tools are available online:
In addition, a presentation leaflet detailing the objectives and format of the Resilient Craftspeople Meetings can be consulted here:
https://lnkd.in/e-4kJU2R
Organising a Resilient Craftspeople Meeting in Your Area
Local authorities, river basin organisations and public services wishing to organise a Resilient Craftspeople Meeting in their territory are invited to contact the CEPRI team:
By strengthening cooperation between craftspeople and flood risk stakeholders, the Resilient Craftspeople Meetings contribute to more resilient buildings and territories, and to turning awareness into concrete action.
