CIRAD Celebrates 40 Years of Agricultural Research with a Southeast Asia Exhibition Tour

29/10/2024
Marking four decades of impactful research in the global South, CIRAD is launching a traveling exhibition across Continental Southeast Asia. Following its debut in Montpellier, the exhibition will tour Bangkok, Phnom Penh, Vientiane, and Hanoi, highlighting CIRAD’s contributions to agroecological transition, biodiversity preservation, One Health, and food system resilience.

CIRAD’s 40 years anniversary exhibition’s first stop in Continental Southeast Asia is Bangkok, at the Alliance Bangkok © S. Kehavivatcharatkul, HRPP

In celebration of 40 years of impactful research in the global South, CIRAD (Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement) is launching "Preserving and Feeding the Planet: A Large-Format Look at the Living World," a traveling exhibition across Continental Southeast Asia.

Following its debut at the Jardin des Plantes in Montpellier, this exhibition will tour Bangkok, Phnom Penh, Vientiane, and Hanoi, highlighting CIRAD's activities in agroecological transition, biodiversity preservation, One Health, and food system resilience in Continental Southeast Asia. Each tour stop includes images reflecting CIRAD's core research themes and locally relevant topics that resonate with the host country's current priorities.

Bangkok, Thailand

CIRAD’s Bangkok exhibition is organized together with the HRPP platform © S. Kehavivatcharatkul, HRPP

  • Dates: Now until November 15, 2024
  • Venue: Alliance Française, Bangkok

Co-organized by CIRAD, the Hevea Research Platform in Partnership - HRPP platform, and the Alliance Française Bangkok, the Bangkok exhibition highlights CIRAD's research on sustainable rubber production—a key sector in Thailand. Launching with a vernissage on November 6, the event brings together CIRAD PhD alumni, local research partners such as Kasetsart University, key international and local collaborators, and the French Embassy. The exhibition presents CIRAD and HRPP's work in developing rubber production systems that balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.

CIRAD and HRPP prepared a display of rubber tapper’s toolkit to introduce the industry to the general public © S. Kehavivatcharatkul, HRPP

In addition to photography, HRPP and CIRAD have prepared displays and posters to introduce the public to rubber cultivation and showcase HRPP's growth through partnerships with the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) and the Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAOT).

The opening conference will feature CIRAD's global perspective on the rubber industry and keynote speeches from HRPP and local partners on their collaborative work toward a sustainable rubber sector. Guided tours and a panel discussion will further explore CIRAD and HRPP's role in aligning Thailand's sustainable agricultural practices with its socio-economic goals.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Taken from the exhibition: A photo taken by Dr. Helène Guis presenting CIRAD Cambodia team’s work with the Pasteur Network in applying the  «One Health» approach to combat rabies in Madagascar and Cambodia © H. Guis, CIRAD

  • Dates: November 18 - December 18, 2024
  • Venue: Institut Français du Cambodge

The Phnom Penh exhibition, co-organized by CIRAD, the Institut Français du Cambodge, and the French Embassy, highlights CIRAD's work in agroecology and One Health. Curated photos prepared by CIRAD's locally-based researchers will introduce visitors to CIRAD's projects' practical agroecology and One Health applications in Cambodia.

Launching with a vernissage on November 18, the event will gather CIRAD's partners, local research institutions, Cambodian government representatives, and international collaborators. This event is organized during the French embassy's scientific days, celebrating French research in Cambodia.

The vernissage will feature a panel discussion showcasing CIRAD's vision for Cambodia's agroecological transition. In a unique format, the discussion will platform diverse voices from various levels of stakeholders in CIRAD's local network—from farmers and community leaders to policymakers and researchers. This interactive session highlights the diverse perspectives and roles in advancing agroecological practices that enhance biodiversity, soil health, and food security across Cambodia.

Vientiane, Laos

Taken from the exhibition: A photo taken by Dr. Stéphane Gueneau showcasing CIRAD Laos team’s project on “Geographical Indications” to highlight the agroecological practices of rice farming in Viengxai, Houaphanh, Laos. © H. Guis, CIRAD

  • Dates: November 25 - 29, 2024
  • Venue: Institut Français du Laos

Co-organized by CIRAD, the Institut Français du Laos, and the French Embassy, the Vientiane exhibition showcases CIRAD's work on advancing agroecological transition and One Health initiatives in Laos. Launching with a vernissage on November 25, the event brings together CIRAD's partners from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), the National University of Laos (NUoL), the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI), and international development agencies, to highlight CIRAD's commitment to strengthening rural resilience through sustainable practices.

The vernissage features a panel discussion exploring the challenges and opportunities in improving agricultural and food systems in Laos. CIRAD researchers, local stakeholders, and community leaders will share insights into ongoing projects and successful local initiatives. The discussion will spotlight CIRAD's collaborative approaches to supporting rural communities, promoting sustainable farming practices, and reinforcing local value chains.

Furthermore, throughout the week, CIRAD Laos' PhD students will offer guided tours in Lao, French, and English and bilingual classes to visit the exhibition and learn about CIRAD's activities in Laos.

Hanoi, Vietnam 

Taken from the exhibition: A photo taken by Dr. Philippe Cao-Van in the orchard of Tra Vinh province, Vietnam, showcasing CIRAD Vietnam team’s work on biological pest control. © P. Cao-Van, CIRAD

  • Dates: December 2, 2024 - January 12, 2025
  • Venue: Institut Français de Hanoi

Co-organized by CIRAD and the Institut Français de Hanoi, the Hanoi exhibition introduces the general public to CIRAD's research in agroecology and biodiversity in Vietnam. Through a series of 19 large-format photographs, the exhibition highlights CIRAD's local and global efforts to support resilient food systems, sustainable farming practices, and rural livelihoods.

The exhibition will be open for six weeks, allowing visitors to explore how agroecology addresses local challenges in food security, biodiversity, and climate resilience in Vietnam's agricultural landscapes.