What is Tropicalia?
Tropicalia is an immersive experience designed to unveil the wonders of the tropical world. Imagine stepping into a huge tropical greenhouse, all under one magnificent dome, where the vibrant fauna and flora of the tropics come alive. This project isn’t just about showcasing nature’s beauty—it’s about sparking curiosity, raising awareness, and delivering a powerful educational message focused on respect and protection of our environment. It’s learning through wonder, a journey that invites visitors to connect deeply with biodiversity and the challenges it faces.
Main Benefits of the Tropicalia Project
Tropicalia stands out not only for its breathtaking design but also for its commitment to sustainability and education. Here are some key facts that highlight its impact:
- Energy efficiency and renewable energy production: Tropicalia operates entirely on clean, local energy, producing an excess of 5 GWh of renewable heat per year.
- Collective photovoltaic auto-consumption ensures self-sufficiency in electricity.
- Dedicated center for education, research, and awareness on biodiversity preservation and climate change challenges.
- Welcomes around 600,000 visitors annually, engaging them through the “Emerveiller – Sensibiliser – Agir” process—meaning “Wonder – Awareness – Act.”
- Supports local and tropical communities by advocating for their challenges and facilitating clean energy technology transfer.
- Operates an endowment fund, Tropicalia Global Positive Impact, which helps safeguard remarkable natural areas through land acquisition and support of local organizations.
The Story Behind Tropicalia
The journey began in 2011 when Dr. Veterinarian Cédric Guérin dreamed up a concept to share his passion for tropical fauna and flora with as many people as possible. This vision took shape as a massive tropical greenhouse beneath a single dome, aiming to educate and inspire respect for nature. By 2012, the project found its identity on the Opal Coast and was named Tropicalia. Over the years, the project evolved through collaborations with architects, local officials, and experts in energy and construction. Key milestones include visits to the Eden Project in England and Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, which influenced the innovative ecological heating solutions and design choices.
Innovative Design and Sustainable Technology
Tropicalia’s design is nothing short of groundbreaking. The dome structure uses a double dome system with heat recovery, inspired by observations at the Eden Project where part of the dome opens to release hot air on cloudy days. This approach ensures the greenhouse is heated without relying on fossil fuels—no gas, no oil—just clean, renewable energy. Geothermal drilling began in 2021 as part of phase one of construction, emphasizing the project’s commitment to ecological responsibility. The selection of local construction companies further strengthens the project’s positive impact on the regional economy.
Education, Research, and Community Engagement
More than just a greenhouse, Tropicalia is a hub for education and research. It serves as a bridge between the North and South, connecting visitors with global biodiversity issues and the realities faced by local communities affected by climate change. Through its educational programs, Tropicalia encourages each visitor to become a positive actor in the global effort to protect nature. The project’s endowment fund also plays a crucial role in supporting local organizations and acquiring land to preserve natural habitats, ensuring long-term conservation efforts.
Project Impact and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – through renewable energy production and energy efficiency.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – by promoting local economic development and sustainable tourism.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – via climate-friendly heating solutions and awareness programs.
- SDG 14: Life Below Water – supporting biodiversity conservation efforts.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – safeguarding natural areas and promoting ecosystem preservation.
- SDG 4: Quality Education – through its educational and research initiatives.
Looking Ahead: Tropicalia’s Vision for the Future
With the land purchased in March 2023 and the creation of the Tropicalia Global Positive Impact endowment fund in May 2023, the project is poised to become a landmark for sustainable development and biodiversity preservation. It’s more than just a place to visit—it’s a movement to inspire action, foster knowledge, and build bridges between communities worldwide. Tropicalia invites everyone to marvel, learn, and act, making a real difference in the global challenge of protecting our planet’s precious tropical ecosystems.
