Septentrion Environnement is a unique human and scientific adventure, immortalized by Isabelle Croizeau and enhanced by the photos of Septentrion Environnement, DAKO film, Morgan Bourc’his, and Alexis Rosenfeld. More than just an organization, it is a crossroads where cutting-edge research meets knowledge sharing, a rare alliance making it an essential player in marine biology.
A true laboratory, training center, platform for observational participatory science, and eco-friendly diving school, Septentrion Environnement deploys a range of skills that enriches its approach and gives it a unique place in the world of marine environment.
A boat, symbol of a philosophy
Their iconic trawler embodies the spirit of Septentrion Environnement: a place of exchange, discovery, enthusiasm, serving as a support for research and outreach to the general public. The association’s history is intimately linked to the thirst for knowledge of amateur divers.
After their studies, Olivier Bianchimani, a biologist and current director, and Marc Garel, an engineer in microbial oceanography and president of the association, both diving instructors, noted a growing interest in marine environment knowledge.
« I could see that more and more divers were eager to learn more, » recalls Olivier. They then initiated a participatory science approach ahead of its time, laying the foundations of an associative structure.
At the beginning, everyone kept their jobs, working voluntarily for the association. Solène Basthard-Bogain, now deputy director, worked in the fisheries sector. Olivier Bianchimani stayed with CNRS, as did other founding members. In 2012, Olivier became the first employee, marking a crucial step.
Meanwhile, contracts multiplied, and the association turned into a naturalist expertise office. « Over time, we acquired new skills, but we never denied our initial specificity, » emphasizes Olivier. Word of mouth worked, and this original model, combining research and teaching, became their trademark.
« We had to prove ourselves, » admits Solène Basthard-Bogain, a team member since 2009 and an employee since 2013. « To show that we were above all scientists, while giving a large place to knowledge sharing and training. »
An open platform on the world
« We really wanted to remain an open platform, » insists Solène, « continuing to combine scientific data acquisition, awareness, and training, which is always our driving force. » Today, about ten people keep the structure alive, covering all areas, from research programs to the diving school.
Did you enjoy this excerpt?
Read the full article.
READING TIME ≈ 9 min
Dive into the PLONGEZ! Magazine
To enjoy this article and its exclusive content, a modest contribution is required.