The Association of Friends of the Firefighters Museum of La Réunion and the Indian Ocean is proud to announce its candidacy for the AFRAN (Australian-French Association for Research and Innovation) 2023/2024 call for initiatives with an ambitious project: “Heritage and Innovation: The Role of Firefighters in Biodiversity Preservation and Climate Change Combat”.
An Event in Three Acts
This project will take place from May 20 to 22, 2024, marking a key moment of international collaboration and knowledge sharing among firefighters, researchers, and the public from La Réunion, Australia, and other Indian Ocean countries.
- May 20, 2024: Opening Ceremony and Inaugural Conferences The day will begin with an official ceremony, followed by opening speeches by honored guests from the firefighting world, environmental organizations, and governmental bodies. The afternoon will be dedicated to roundtable discussions and interactive workshops focused on innovative firefighting techniques and biodiversity conservation strategies.
- May 21, 2024: Educational Workshops and Exhibition Tours This day will be dedicated to education, with a series of workshops for school groups, students, and the general public. These sessions will be led by experts in firefighting, climate science, and biodiversity. Guided tours of the exhibitions, showcasing both historical and modern firefighting equipment as well as successful case studies of biodiversity preservation, will also be organized.
- May 22, 2024: International Biodiversity Day and Closing Gala Coinciding with International Biodiversity Day, the last day will highlight collaborative projects between firefighters and conservationists. The evening will be crowned by a closing gala, including an auction to fund future biodiversity preservation projects and an awards ceremony to honor exceptional contributions to firefighting and environmental conservation.
A Commitment to the Future
Beyond these three days of events, the “Heritage and Innovation” initiative aims to initiate research projects and international expansion efforts, particularly with universities and firefighting bodies. The goal is to strengthen the collaborative ties established during the event, explore new research opportunities, and expand our network to include more international partners.
A Call for Collaboration
The Association of Friends of the Firefighters Museum of La Réunion and the Indian Ocean invites the international community to support this project. We are looking for partners, sponsors, and participants who share our vision of valuing the vital role of firefighters in protecting our natural heritage and combating climate change.
This project represents a crucial step in recognizing and valuing the work of firefighters, not only as first responders but also as key players in environmental preservation and innovation. We are convinced that “Heritage and Innovation” will mark the beginning of a new era of cooperation and awareness around these essential issues.