The Museu de les Terres de l'Ebre in Amposta has started an action plan to protect over 5,000 items from its ethnological collection against fungi. This issue has been made worse by the effects of climate change, according to museum officials.
"These are precisely the materials most sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity, and to the climatic condition changes of recent years," a museum representative explained. "In recent months, the changes have been quite substantial, the pieces are suffering, and we have had a problem with fungi."
The museum's initiative focuses on safeguarding these delicate objects, which are particularly vulnerable to environmental shifts. The plan involves a detailed process of inspection and recording.
"We are taking the opportunity to control and register the pieces and note down any incidents observed during handling," the representative added. This systematic approach aims to mitigate further damage and preserve the collection for future generations.
Protecting Ethnological Heritage
The ethnological reserve holds items that reflect the cultural history of the Terres de l'Ebre region. Such collections often include organic materials like textiles, wood, and paper, which are highly susceptible to mould and fungal growth when humidity and temperature fluctuate. The increasing unpredictability of weather patterns due to climate change presents a significant challenge for heritage institutions worldwide.
The museum's efforts highlight the broader impact of climate change on cultural heritage. Institutions are increasingly adapting their preservation strategies to combat new threats posed by environmental shifts.
