2. What are the external interests to be protected?

We speak of an interest to be protected when we consider that this interest has a value; there is therefore a notion of stake that enters into the equation, be it strategic, economic, social or environmental.

It should be noted that the definition of a stake, or vulnerable element, for the purposes of a hazard study is "an element such as people, property or the various components of the environment likely, as a result of exposure to the hazard, to suffer damage under certain circumstances". The term "target" is sometimes used instead of "vulnerable element". This definition can be compared with the notion of "interest to be protected" in legislation on classified installations (article L. 511-1 of the French Environment Code).