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Expertise
Sharing knowledge
The Museum shares its knowledge of biodiversity with as many people as possible. To do this, we can count on the experience of our scientists, in particular via our "research-expertise" cells, and our precious PatriNat Unit. See for yourself!
We share our ever-growing body of information on biodiversity. Who uses it? Managers of natural areas, other museums, public or research establishments, local authorities, associations, or even the general public.
Relevés botaniques
© MNHN - C. ThierryBut where do these resources come from? They come in part from our participatory science programmes, such as Vigie-Nature - you may be involved in this youself? - but not only from there! Many partners contribute by observing and monitoring species in metropolitan France or in the overseas territories and their coasts: learned societies, associations or botanical conservatories.
We also draw data from other collections or from impact studies of developments made public by the 2016 Biodiversity Law. All of this information is collected, harmonised, validated and enhanced by our valuable centre of expertise: the PatriNat Unit. Unique in the field, it is specialised in the management of databases on species, their protection and conservation status, habitats, geology and protected areas. A key player in knowledge sharing, it disseminates knowledge via the National Inventory of Natural Heritage (INPN) and its OpenObs portal for the 82 million pieces of freely accessible biodiversity data, or via the GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility) at international level.
If you have not done so yet, you can always turn to our technical reports, scientific publications and popular science works for the general public in the form of booklets, such as "100 figures explained on species", or maps such as the Panorama of biodiversity in France. These works are available for free download on the INPN website. So many different ways to access our knowledge!
Observations ornithologiques
© MNHN - O. Roquinarc'h
Détermination de papillons de jour
© MNHN - O. Delzons
Identification à la loupe de critères botaniques
© MNHN - A. Lacoeuilhe
Bird banding
© MNHN - S. ForeroExpertise in nature and geology
Our two research-expertise units are also available to provide you with information. They bring together scientists from several units to work on the same subject.
The first, Vigie-Nature, consists of a vast programme of participatory science on the whole of biodiversity, which brings together the PatriNat Unit and the Centre for Ecology and Conservation Sciences (CESCO).
The second, on geological heritage, once again involves PatriNat and the Centre de recherche en paléontologie de Paris (CR2P). What is the aim here? To improve and disseminate knowledge and contribute to the preservation of sites of special value. Its resources: the national inventory of the geological heritage, running the Vigie-Terre participatory monitoring network, distributing collections of specialised works and mobilising experts.
The most “remarkable” sites can receive protection orders. Two of them, located in the Yvelines, received such orders for the first time in 2018: the place known as Ferme de l'Orme in Beynes, and the Domaine de Grignon in Thiverval-Grignon. Yes, sharing knowledge has a direct impact on the protection of important remains and the environment, under the impetus of those who commit themselves to this path. Perhaps you?