The Triple Transition

The Triple Transition

ECONOMIC TRANSITION

Transition n°1 :
Economic Transition

Economic transition refers to the transformation of local economic systems towards more sustainable, resilient and diversified models, particularly in Atlantic coastal medium-sized cities. In the framework of the project, it involves strengthening the blue economy, promoting innovation in maritime and port-related activities, supporting SMEs in their digital and green transition, and fostering circular economy approaches.

This transition aims to balance economic growth with environmental protection and social cohesion, while reducing dependency on traditional sectors vulnerable to global shifts and climate change. Key priority topics include sustainable tourism, port-city integration, decarbonisation of economic activities, responsible land-use management, and the development of new value chains linked to marine resources.

The main challenges lie in ensuring competitiveness without increasing environmental pressure, preventing territorial inequalities, enhancing attractiveness compared to larger metropolitan areas, and anticipating economic risks through strategic land-sea integrated planning.

Examples of economic transition topics
  • Development of new sustainable blue economy value chains
  • Development of REFIT activities and end-of-life boat dismantling sectors
  • Valorisation of fisheries by-products and marine co-products
  • Development of marine biotechnology (algae, shellfish, bio-based materials)
  • Modernisation and renewal of ageing fishing fleets
  • Diversification of port-related economic activities
  • Circular economy in maritime industries
  • Reducing economic dependency on seasonal tourism
  • …

Transition n°2 :
Ecological Transition

Environmental transition refers to the transformation of urban and coastal territories towards climate resilience, biodiversity protection and low-carbon development, through an integrated land-sea approach. Within the ATLANTIC BRIDGES framework, this transition focuses on strengthening green and blue infrastructures, restoring ecosystems, reducing pollution (including marine litter and wastewater), and promoting nature-based solutions in urban planning.

ECOLOGICAL TRANSITION

Particular attention is given to coastal risks such as erosion, sea level rise and extreme weather events, which disproportionately affect Atlantic medium-sized cities. Priority topics include decarbonisation of port and maritime activities, sustainable water and resource management, prevention of biodiversity loss, and integration of environmental criteria into spatial planning strategies.

The main challenges consist in reconciling urban development with ecosystem preservation, anticipating climate-related risks rather than reacting to damages, and ensuring that environmental policies are structurally embedded into long-term territorial planning processes.

Examples of ecological transition topics
  • Port and maritime activities decarbonisation
  • Cold seawater district cooling (thalassothermy)
  • Development of local hydrogen ecosystems
  • Reduction of microplastics and PFAS in wastewater discharges
  • Prevention of marine litter from urban sources
  • Coastal erosion mitigation strategies
  • Nature-based solutions in coastal urban planning
  • Strengthening green and blue infrastructure networks
  • …

SOCIAL TRANSITION

Transition n°3
Social Transition

Social transition refers to the transformation of urban development models to ensure greater social cohesion, inclusiveness and quality of life in Atlantic coastal cities. Within the ATLANTIC BRIDGES framework, this transition aims to address social inequalities, housing pressures, access to services, and citizen participation in urban governance.

It seeks to ensure that environmental and economic transformations do not exacerbate social vulnerabilities but instead generate shared benefits for local communities. Priority topics include affordable housing for active populations, inclusive urban regeneration, participatory planning processes, enhancement of public spaces, and strengthening the link between citizens and coastal environments.

The main challenges lie in preventing social exclusion linked to tourism pressure and economic restructuring, maintaining territorial attractiveness without displacing local populations, and embedding participatory governance mechanisms into long-term land-sea integrated planning strategies.

Examples of social transition topics
  • Affordable housing for active population and families
  • Year-round living strategies in seasonal coastal cities
  • Managing overtourism and improving coexistence between residents and visitors
  • Participatory democracy in coastal urban planning
  • Social acceptability of environmental transition measures
  • Improving quality of life in port-city interfaces
  • Access to housing in high-tourism pressure areas
  • Development of soft mobility and ecomobility systems
  • …