Contenu du sommaire : Séance du 15 mai 1976

Abstract. - The mediterranean islands (200 inhabited units, 103 000 sq.km and 9 350 000 inhabitants in 1971) present general similar characteristics due to physical and climatical features, continental proximity and an historical evolution which had strenghthened predominant latin and greek elements of the population. With the exception of Cyprus and Malta, island world belongs to nine continental seaside countries. This political and economical dépendance, deeply connected with relative underdevelopment, is not resulting of a so-called « insular fatality ». In Greece, continental preeminence is a recent phenomena. And the Balearic case gives evidence that an archipelago is still able to bear comparison with the most prosperous regions of a continental country.

Abstract. - The impervious igneous Troodos massif owes its mountainous character to its valley trenches rather than to its altitude. The best watered part of Cyprus, it experiments important immediate surface run-off. Though it never was a refuge mountain, its population which was recently increased by 1974 refugees is almost purely Greek for a long time. In spite of difficult environmental circumstances related to geology and gradient, agricultural land use which nowadays consists mainly in tree and vine cultivation grew important enough to destroy a good part of the pine and oak forest which was restored since the British occupation of the island. Commuting towards Nicosia or Limassol is frequent amongst villagers who cannot rely entirely on agricultural income.

Abstract. - The consequences of touristic growth in Jerba (Tunisia) have transformed the relations of the man-environment system of the island. The rapid economic evolution permitted to equip the island with the non basic services. However, the transformation of landscape, the new valorization of places, the demographic trends and the growth of needs obliges to control the natural and social environment and to organize the island's space.

Abstract. - Insularity has held back growth. But force and vigour of the relief have also played a part. The conditions now prevailing could not in fact be accounted for without taking into consideration the fact that the island is situated at the outerlimites, firstly of one of the most highly developped capitalist nations made up of small competitive unities, secondly of one of the two greatest contemporary colonial empires, and thirdly of one of the elements of present « secondary imperialism » (cf. « Les sociétés multinationales et le développement mondial», documents O.N.U., New York et Genève 1973). Insularity and political integration are responsible for a typically corsican pattern, which stands alone among the mediterranean mountain lands.

Abstract. - A recent survey held in a village of Leucade (in the Ionian Islands) reveals the problem of the connection between insularity and under development. After having attested that demographic and economic decline proceeds from general causes, the author emphasizes the fact that isolation may even increase this dependency with the outside world.

Abstract. - The insularity of Crete has not allowed a really autonomous development of the island, because his strategical position of first importance in the East Mediterranean has made of Crete a coveted land. Since 1963 the maritime opening by the great car-ferries has allowed a take off of agriculture and touring, while industry has remained almost non-existent.