Mapping the maritime vulnerability of Kuujjuaq: a participatory approach coconstructed with local and indigenous knowledge

Managing a maritime incident in Nunavik involves several sectors of activity and requires a good knowledge of the environment. To better respond to the risks associated with maritime incidents, a map of the maritime vulnerability of the Koksoak River estuary, more precisely in the territory of Kuujjuaq, will be realized. First, the concept of coastal and maritime vulnerability will be defined and established using local and indigenous knowledge through consultation and through a participatory mapping exercise. Then, the coast of the Koksoak River estuary will be characterized and segmented using a morphological classification to assess its sensitivity to the potential impacts of a maritime incident. Finally, the most sensitive and resilient elements will be identified and discussed with the different actors involved. By knowing the vulnerability and its parameters, it is possible to act before the occurrence of a hazard to increase the resilience of certain elements. In addition, the development and sharing of a mapping tool can increase preparation for the management of a maritime incident. This mapping tool will meet the needs of the community of Kuujjuaq and will be developed at two scales, for the territory of Kuujjuaq and for the estuary of the Koksoak River.