Introduction to the Institute and its Position in the Scientific World: the updated version of this document can now be found in the “Institut” section of the multimedia library.

It then goes on to explain more fully the scientific bases on which the Institute is founded. These are dealt with under five headings:

• Knowledge of the natural environment and its evolution
• The impact of Man: understanding the cultural landscape
• Conservation, preservation and restoration of heritage
• Managing and promoting river heritage: economic, tourist and cultural aspects.
• Indicators and models

The third and final section provides a brief introduction to the Institute’s aims, activities and functioning. You can now download the updated version of this document from the valdeloire.org site, section " Institut international fleuves et patrimoine".