From dream to reality

The architectural firm of Véronique Descharrières was selected from a list of three candidates following a competition launched last year for the creation of the Caribbean Institute for Insular Biodiversity.

This firm’s credits include the Paris-Vincennes zoological gardens, a project which comprises the conception of six zones representatives of the various ecosystems on the planet. The pre-project, as proposed and accepted for the biodiversity institute, is interesting for several major reasons including a solid understanding of the investment and operation costs, a concrete structure on stilts - a big plus in a territory subject to the impact of hurricanes and earthquakes - as well as excellent thermal isolation. The overall study for the project will continue throughout 2016, until the building permit is submitted. The goal is to define the details for the future Institute, which will house the various departments of the Réserve - governance, administration, logistics, scientific, a branch of the Conservatoire du Littoral, and a university division. Special attention will be paid to the scenography which will be presented to the public. An aquarium is planned, as well as an auditorium and pavilions dedicated to various land and sea species in a playful, yet pedagogical environment. The Réserve Naturelle will continue to get support from the State of France, until the study is completed, through the terms of the Development Contract.