Invasive species: zero damage target in the Mediterranean

Florida turtles, coypu, ring-necked parakeets, Louisiana crayfish, tilapia in Morocco... Whether terrestrial, aquatic, or aerial, some of these species from elsewhere were introduced deliberately for food, ornamental purposes, recreation, or biological control. Others have traveled against their will, carried along by global trade, like "hitchhikers." Long considered useful or harmless, some have since multiplied uncontrollably.

In the Mediterranean basin, invasive species are currently disrupting the natural balance, competing with local species and contributing to the decline in biodiversity. Their impact extends beyond the environment alone: agriculture, fishing, water management and infrastructure are also affected, with sometimes significant economic consequences.

In a context of globalized trade, climate change, and increasingly fragile ecosystems, the issue of invasive species has become a major challenge. To better understand this phenomenon and explore possible solutions, the Bar des Sciences is hosting a meeting entitled " Invasive Species: Zero Damage in the Mediterranean."

During this convivial evening, the public is invited to chat over a drink with specialists on the topic during this second evening of the Science Bar – 2026 edition.

To discuss this topic, five multidisciplinary experts will answer questions from the audience live:

• Jean-François Agnèse is an IRD research director specializing in fish population genetics. He studies the various factors influencing the evolution of these populations in their natural environments at the Institute of Evolutionary Sciences in Montpellier (ISEM – IRD, CNRS, University of Montpellier).
• Olivier Gimenez is a CNRS research director within the Human-Animal Interactions team at the Center for Functional and Evolutionary Ecology (CEFE – CNRS, University of Montpellier, EPHE, IRD, INRAE, Institut Agro Montpellier, Paul Valéry University Montpellier). His research combines the fields of animal ecology, statistical modeling, and social sciences, focusing on the conservation biology of mammals in the face of the impact of human activities and climate change.
• Carole Kerdelhué is a research director at INRAE and deputy director of the Center for Biology for Population Management (CBGP – INRAE, CIRAD, Institut Agro, IRD, and University of Montpellier). Her research focuses on the ecology and evolutionary genetics of populations. She is interested in forest insects and studies cases of biological invasions.
• Jean-Pierre Rossi is INRAE Research Director at the Center for Biology for Population Management (CBGP – INRAE, CIRAD, Institut Agro, IRD, and University of Montpellier). His research focuses on the ecology of forest insects and the impact of climate change on phytosanitary risks associated with biological invasions.
• Jean-Michel Salles is a CNRS research director at the Center for Environmental Economics in Montpellier (CEE.M – CNRS, INRAE, Institut Agro, University of Montpellier). His work focuses on the economics of ecosystems and biodiversity, particularly the economic impact of biological invasions.

Free admission subject to availability