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Vegetation management in railway networks is a multifaceted challenge, dealing with numerous risks and considerations. The unchecked vegetation growth along railway tracks poses various hazards, from obstructing access paths and hindering visibility to creating operational hazards such as fire risks and track destabilization (Pietras-Couffignal 2021; Braschi 2016; UIC 2003). Historically, the RATP has employed glyphosate-based treatments to manage vegetation across its network. However, with growing concerns over environmental and health impacts, the decision was made in May 2019 to discontinue glyphosate, instead opting for alternative methods such as mowing and uprooting campaigns. Despite this shift, vegetation management at RATP has remained unchanged, with an objective of eradication rather than integration. Our study focuses on stakeholders’ perceptions of vegetation and its management within the railway environment. Through a series of 30 interviews with key stakeholders from both the RATP and the Ile-de-France region, we aimed to explore the diverse perspectives and priorities shaping attitudes towards vegetation, following a “diagnosis of uses” method (Cerf et al. 2012; Clerino et al. 2023). The interviewed stakeholders ranged from operational agents to environmental engineers and community representatives. Our analysis revealed a spectrum of stakeholder perspectives, highlighting varying criteria in evaluating vegetation and its management. While some stakeholders emphasized the need for rigorous vegetation control to ensure safety and operational efficiency, others advocated for a more balanced approach that considers ecological sustainability and biodiversity preservation. We identified distinct groups of stakeholders with differing viewpoints and priorities. By delineating these perspectives, we gained valuable insights into the complexities of vegetation management within the railway context. These findings serve as a foundation for designing inclusive and sustainable vegetation management solutions that align with stakeholders' diverse needs and values. RATP’s decision to stop using glyphosate presents an opportune moment to reimagine its approach to vegetation management, moving towards more sustainable and ecological practices.
BRASCHI, Andrea, 2016. Sustainable Land Use at UIC. UIC 2nd International Worshop on Vegetation Management. Paris. 2016.
CERF, Marianne, JEUFFROY, Marie-Hélène, PROST, Lorène et MEYNARD, Jean-Marc, 2012. Participatory design of agricultural decision support tools: taking account of the use situations. Agronomy for Sustainable Development. octobre 2012. Vol. 32, n° 4, pp. 899‑910. DOI 10.1007/s13593-012-0091-z.
CLERINO, Paola, FARGUE-LELIÈVRE, Agnès et MEYNARD, Jean-Marc, 2023. Stakeholder’s practices for the sustainability assessment of professional urban agriculture reveal numerous original criteria and indicators. Agronomy for Sustainable Development. février 2023. Vol. 43, n° 1, pp. 3. DOI 10.1007/s13593-022-00849-6.
PIETRAS-COUFFIGNAL, Karolina, 2021. Future vegetation control of European Railways: state-of-the-art report (TRISTAM final report). Paris : UIC. ISBN 978-2-7461-3068-5.
UIC, 2003. UIC Alternative Vegetation Control Project. International Union of Railways - UIC.
| Keywords | Weed control; Railway environment; Diagnosis of uses; Glyphosate |
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