Alt CampAlt EmpordàAlt PenedèsAlt UrgellAlta RibagorçaAnoiaAranBagesBaix CampBaix EbreBaix EmpordàBaix LlobregatBaix PenedèsBarcelonèsBerguedàCerdanyaConca de BarberàGarrafGarriguesGarrotxaGironèsLluçanèsMaresmeMoianèsMontsiàNogueraOsonaPallars JussàPallars SobiràPla d'UrgellPla de l'EstanyPrioratRibera d'EbreRipollèsSegarraSegriàSelvaSolsonèsTarragonèsTerra AltaUrgellVallès OccidentalVallès OrientalAlt CampAlt EmpordàAlt PenedèsAlt UrgellAlta RibagorçaAnoiaAranBagesBaix CampBaix EbreBaix EmpordàBaix LlobregatBaix PenedèsBarcelonèsBerguedàCerdanyaConca de BarberàGarrafGarriguesGarrotxaGironèsLluçanèsMaresmeMoianèsMontsiàNogueraOsonaPallars JussàPallars SobiràPla d'UrgellPla de l'EstanyPrioratRibera d'EbreRipollèsSegarraSegriàSelvaSolsonèsTarragonèsTerra AltaUrgellVallès OccidentalVallès Oriental
CA|ES|EN

Diari de Catalunya

Climate Change Threatens Heritage at the Museum of the Ebro Lands

Over 5,000 ethnological pieces at the Amposta center require extensive cleaning and improved ventilation to combat fungi and humidity.

Generic image of a library interior with wooden bookshelves and warm lighting.
IA

Generic image of a library interior with wooden bookshelves and warm lighting.

The Museum of the Ebro Lands, located in Amposta, faces a significant challenge in preserving its heritage, with over 5,000 ethnological pieces affected by humidity and fungi resulting from climate change.

Extreme weather phenomena and environmental degradation are creating new challenges for the conservation of cultural heritage. Intense rainfall and increased relative humidity have led to the appearance of mold and fungi in the ethnological reserve room of the Museum of the Ebro Lands in Amposta.
In response, the center has begun a meticulous task of cleaning and protecting over 5,000 pieces, a process estimated to take two years. Concurrently, a new ventilation and air renewal system will be implemented in this room, as well as in the archaeology and nature rooms, to mitigate the effects of climate change.
“

"The materials most sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity, such as wood, leather, iron, paper, or cardboard, are those most affected by the climatic alterations of recent years. In recent months, the changes have been quite substantial, the pieces are suffering, and we have had a problem with fungi."

the director of the Museum of the Ebro Lands
The action plan, developed by the restoration team, began earlier this year with analyses to identify the types of fungi and a massive disinfection of the space using nebulization techniques. Subsequently, additional disinfections have been carried out with spraying, focusing on each piece.
Once the visible part of the fungi has been eliminated, each piece will need to be cleaned individually to eradicate spores, as will the storage space, including shelves and walls. This phase will extend for at least two years, providing an opportunity for thorough control and registration of the pieces and documentation of any incidents. The diversity of materials and varying cleaning protocols add complexity to the treatment. The Department of Culture has provided economic resources, and the Amposta City Council has contributed human resources through employment plans.
The ethnological reserve room, located on the ground floor and in contact with the exterior, presents the greatest challenges. The museum's management emphasizes the need to adapt the facilities to minimize future impacts, as controlling climatic parameters such as relative humidity and temperature is becoming increasingly difficult. The development of preventive conservation plans is proposed, including meteorological forecasts and studies to create more specific systems and understand the correlations between climate and its effects on the museum's heritage throughout the year.

Related News