New Biodiversity Centre opens doors

The University of Montreal Biodiversity Centre opened Thursday on the grounds of the Botanical Garden.

“This new Centre is a sign of the value placed by our community on safeguarding our natural heritage,” said Montréal Mayor Gérald Tremblay.

“By bringing together so many committed individuals in one place, where they can share their expertise, creativity and innovation, Montréal is becoming a true hub for biodiversity research,” he continued.

The new centre is the result of a partnership between the University of Montreal, the Botanical Garden, the Montréal Insectarium and two Montréal Space for Life institutions.

Boasting cutting-edge scientific facilities for research into biodiversity, the centre will be home to invaluable natural collections and promote shared knowledge among local and international researchers.

It will also increase public awareness of the importance of biodiversity, key to the conservation of species and ecosystems.

A key feature of the centre is that it brings together major Quebec plant, insect and fungi collections, state-of-the-art laboratories and dedicated researchers, all under one roof.

In addition, the centre will offer a digitized biodiversity network and a public space for museum exhibitions.

Important collections will be showcased together and on April 7, the first exhibition will open, SHARED VISIONS of Quebec Plants by Hélène

Richard.