Le Grand LAB’EAU: A Celebration of Water & Environment Innovation

Our Sales Manager, Benoît Miltin, had the pleasure of attending Le Grand LAB’EAU, a landmark event commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Water & Environment sector. Held in Limoges, France, this gathering spotlighted six decades of water policy and its enduring impact, while addressing the pressing challenges posed by climate change. The event featured conferences, workshops, and debates on topics such as efficient agricultural reservoir management and impactful projects like Explore 2.

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Water & Environment sector, Limoges Métropole hosted Le Grand LAB’EAU from October 10 to 12, 2024, in Limoges, France. This event, designed to raise awareness of critical water-related issues, attracted a wide array of professionals from the sector. BWI‘s Sales Manager, Benoît Miltin, attended on October 11, participating in an agenda packed with informative sessions, including a symposium at the Opéra de Limoges.

Representatives from esteemed institutions such as the Ministry for Ecological Transition, INRAE (The French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment), the National Association of Basin Elected Representatives, and the Water and Biodiversity Directorate contributed to the engaging discussions. Participants were provided with valuable insights into the challenges and solutions related to water management in the context of climate change. Notably, the Loire-Bretagne Water Agency and Basin Committee presented innovative approaches for managing agricultural reservoirs, addressing the increasing need for sustainable water resources in farming.

One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of the Explore 2 project, spearheaded by INRAE. This initiative is dedicated to deepening the understanding of climate change impacts, with a particular focus on how local stakeholders can adapt water resource management strategies in the face of evolving environmental challenges.

Attendees were also offered unique, hands-on learning experiences. Among these was a visit to the “International Water Office,” as well as a tour of the “Grand Lab’eau” at Ester Technopole, providing practical exposure to cutting-edge water management innovations. Benoît had the opportunity to visit Limoges’ recently modernized wastewater treatment plant, which provided an enriching perspective on the practical applications of sustainable water management beyond the theoretical exchanges.

We are grateful to have been a part of this exceptional learning opportunity and thank everyone involved in making Le Grand LAB’EAU a success.