Who are we ?

The CREA - the Alpine Ecosystems Research Centre - is a non-profit organisation, which aims to develop scientific research in high altitude environments and to increase public awareness through educational activities.

Scientific Research

High altitude ecosystems are situated above the tree line. They include habitats such as alpine meadows, screes, boulders, cliffs and glacial zones. Found on all continents, they are governed by high altitude and extreme climates. They constitute the refuge of a large number of animal and vegetal species adapted to these conditions that would not survive elsewhere.

The functioning of these ecosystems as well as the impact of climate change and human activities on these ecosystems are poorly known, because they are little studied. The aim of the CREA is to pursue scientific research at the fundamental and applied levels, in order to improve our understanding of these ecosystems.

The spreading of knowledge to the general public

The second aim of the CREA is to pass the scientific knowledge about the alpine ecosystem to the wider public. Accordingly, several activities are organised in order to facilitate exchanges between researchers and the general public (publications, training courses, leaflets, conferences, exhibitions, films).