The operational site of the Museum, active since 2016 in the municipality of La Salle, is located near the Marais regional nature reserve and special conservation area in Morgex-La Salle. Most of the museum’s activities take place in the operational site, including the conservation of the mineralogical, botanical, fauna and library collections, scientific research projects, dissemination and educational initiatives and consultation of the scientific library’s book heritage. The building extends over 1,200 m2 and houses offices, two scientific laboratories, two classrooms, a library, a consultation room, archives and collection storage.
The Museum laboratories are a regional technological reference platform for DNA analysis supporting services and partnerships in the naturalistic-environmental, agri-food and conservation of cultural heritage fields. The scientific research activities cover biodiversity and agro-biodiversity protection by monitoring and studying animal and plant species, the genetic background of native lactic cultures and old varieties of fruit and wine, and the fight against phytopathogens.
The Museum manages the regional plant germplasm bank for the ex-situ conservation of seeds of rare and endangered wild plants. The Museum participates in European projects and actively collaborates with local bodies in the biotechnology sector and with national and international bodies for scientific research.
