Claire de Kermadec, Knowledge project manager at the Ministry of Ecological Transition, Directorate of Water and Biodiversity, Subdirectorate for the Protection and Restoration of Terrestrial Ecosystems, Biodiversity Policy Office (DGALN).
© Ministry of Ecological Transition
Interview of Claire de Kermadec, Knowledge project manager at the Ministry of Ecological Transition (DGALN - Directorate of Water and Biodiversity, Subdirectorate for the Protection and Restoration of Terrestrial Ecosystems, Biodiversity Policy Office).
What role can BRGM play in a biodiversity project?
Claire de Kermadec: We are well aware of the links between geology and biodiversity and their interdependence; geology shapes our landscapes and the ecosystems that cover them. BRGM therefore plays a major role, as it posseses a large amount of geological data and the unique expertise needed to exploit it. It moreover plays a key role in managing the inventory of France’s geological heritage.
What particular role has it played in the natural habitat mapping programme?
C.K.: With the CARHAB project, undertaken by the Ministry of Ecological Transition, we are creating a nation-wide map of natural and semi-natural habitats to alert the public about biodiversity issues and help shape public policies in terms of spatial planning.
The geological data held by BRGM is also very valuable to the CARHAB programme as the methodology uses the available data to model natural habitats. We quickly realised that geological data play a predominant role in ensuring the quality of this modelling. Thanks to them we were able to identify natural habitats much more precisely! BRGM therefore helped us to improve our methodology and ultimately the quality of the results.
How would you rate this collaboration?
C.K.: As very positive! BRGM, a long-standing and highly competent geosciences operator, has proven to be a crucial contributor to the programme! It makes its data available, but also and above all its expertise to enhance them.
In this innovative European project, both technically and in terms of scale and implementation at the national level, BRGM has also been a valuable partner, making several proposals. It has been a driving force in continuing this work in the French overseas territories and the coastal fringe of French Guiana, even though the CARHAB programme is still in its infancy in these regions.
