Ingrid Girardeau, BRGM Director in La Réunion, was awarded the Medal of Honour for BRGM’s commitment to Overseas France on 28 November 2025.
© BRGM
Recognition for BRGM's commitment to the region
By ministerial decree dated 14 November 2025, and on the occasion of the ceremony on 28 November to mark the rallying of La Réunion to De Gaulle’s Free France call, the Minister for Overseas France, Naïma Moutchou, awarded the gold medal of honour for overseas commitment to Ingrid Girardeau, BRGM Director in La Réunion.
This distinction highlights BRGM’s commitment to serving the region, as well as the commitment of its teams, who responded together to deal with an exceptional situation: the passage of cyclone Garance in February 2025. It also recognises BRGM's day-to-day work in supporting local authorities, the State and local residents in dealing with natural hazards.
In the aftermath of the cyclone, BRGM's expert assessments of ground movements, carried out under often complex conditions, provided essential analyses for the safety of the population and to help the region recover from the disaster.
Naïma Moutchou, Minister for Overseas France, at the Butor ravine in Saint-Denis (La Réunion).
© BRGM
The Minister for Overseas France on a field visit with BRGM
Following the medal award ceremony, the Minister for Overseas France, accompanied by BRGM, visited the Butor ravine in Saint-Denis, an area that was severely affected by cyclone Garance. Emergency preventive measures are being taken to reduce the risks before the next hurricane season. BRGM is providing expert assessment to support these measures.
