On 24 November 2025, Catherine Lagneau, BRGM Chair and CEO, and Olivier Jacob, Director General for Overseas France, signed a framework agreement between BRGM and the Ministry for Overseas France.
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BRGM, a key player in overseas France
BRGM has long been involved in the French overseas departments and territories. It has been established for several decades in New Caledonia, Guadeloupe and Martinique, Réunion, French Guiana, more recently in Mayotte and partially in French Polynesia.
BRGM works closely with local authorities and local government departments, applying its expert appraisal and research capabilities in areas such as natural hazards, groundwater resources, geothermal potential and mineral resources.
A roadmap for improved collaboration
In order to strengthen bilateral discussions and the sharing of information, the French geological survey and the General Directorate for Overseas France under the Ministry of Overseas France (DGOM) have decided to set up a framework agreement. In 2026, this will lay down a roadmap for improved collaboration in a number of areas:
- to better characterise and protect groundwater resources,
- to forestall natural hazards and human-made risks associated with the subsurface and coastal areas,
- to improve knowledge of the resources needed for the energy transition, sustainable mining and geological knowledge.
To this end, the framework agreement provides for the setting up of a steering committee and an annual meeting between BRGM and the DGOM. It should streamline BRGM's dealings with local public authorities and other ministries.
The agreement was set up for a period of three years.
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