Hydrological and biological observatories: major research facilities

Environmental research observatories have been successfully established over the past decade in France. INRA has been a key driving force behind this initiative for agrohydrological and hydrobiological observatories, by allocating permanent material and human resources to them. The example of two research observatories – one hydrological, the other hydrobiological – aims to illustrate not only the specific characteristics of these observatories but also how they complement one another, both in terms of their subject matter and in terms of variables and scales. They are also complementary in terms of partnerships with operators and local authorities, which differ in each case. Work is underway to foster convergence in the areas of observation, modelling, experimentation and, finally, ownership, which will involve researchers, local authorities and stakeholders on the ground.