In celebration of the IRD’s (Research Institute for Development) 80th anniversary and with the goal of promoting scientific knowledge, the IRD is collaborating with Montpellier’s cultural program, taking an active part in the Eaux. 15th – 21st Centuries exhibition. From September 21 to December 28, 2024, the exhibition invites the public to explore the essential role of water in society and its impact on ecosystems across the centuries.

Organized in partnership with various cultural institutions, the exhibition brings together heritage objects and expert testimonies in a pathway enhanced by digital resources. Visitors can discover stories and rare artifacts presented by professionals from diverse fields – including historians, engineers, and fishers. Among the invited experts, Arnaud Bertrand, a marine biologist and IRD research director with the MARBEC unit, adds his unique perspective by reflecting on historical images that bring to mind his own research expeditions. Through these images, Bertrand recalls anecdotes from his marine campaigns in Peru and the discovery of new species during fieldwork. He emphasizes the crucial role that historical texts play in scientific work, particularly in taxonomy, where ancient reference books are essential for identifying species.

Bertrand also highlights the importance of heritage images as a reminder of ecosystems in their pristine states, before the effects of overexploitation. These depictions allow for reflection on the loss of biomass and the future of coral reefs, while also inspiring wonder through mythological references like mermaids, the Kraken, and even popular culture, such as the film Avatar. This blend of science, memory, and imagination makes the Eaux exhibition a thought-provoking journey through the past, present, and future of water management and aquatic ecosystems, shedding light on the vital role water plays on our planet.

Reference: L’IRD et le réseau des médiathèques de Montpellier : un partenariat pour une meilleure diffusion de la culture scientifique

Photo Reference: gallica.bnf.fr/Bibliotèque nationale France