The Museum of the Ebro Lands in Amposta is facing a significant challenge in preserving its extensive heritage collection, with over 5,000 ethnographic pieces now affected by humidity and fungi. These issues are a direct consequence of climate change, according to museum officials.
Materials particularly sensitive to temperature and humidity fluctuations, such as wood, leather, iron, paper, and cardboard, are suffering the most from recent climatic alterations. Museum staff have observed substantial changes in recent months, leading to noticeable damage to the artefacts and a specific problem with fungi.
Protecting Vulnerable Artefacts
The museum, located in Amposta, houses a rich collection that documents the history and culture of the Ebro Delta region. The affected pieces represent a wide array of historical objects, from agricultural tools to traditional crafts, all of which are critical for understanding the local heritage. The increase in humidity creates an ideal environment for mould and fungi to grow, which can cause irreversible damage to organic materials.
Officials told reporters that the rapid and substantial climatic shifts observed recently are putting unprecedented strain on their preservation efforts. The museum is now looking at strategies to mitigate these effects and protect its valuable collection for future generations.
Future Preservation Efforts
Moving forward, the Museum of the Ebro Lands will need to implement new measures to control the environmental conditions within its facilities. This could involve upgrading climate control systems or developing specialised storage solutions for the most vulnerable items. The situation highlights a broader concern for cultural institutions across Catalonia, many of which house collections susceptible to environmental changes.
