International multidisciplinary workshop: “At the source of the Grand Jardin Séquanien: Ecology and livability of the Seine and its tributaries”

The “At the Source of the Great Seine Valley Garden” workshop is an international territorial creativity workshop, based on the methodology of the Cergy Workshops, which boasts 40 years of experience. It brings together fifteen young, volunteer professionals from diverse backgrounds to work collaboratively on imagining more sustainable territories within the Seine River basin, which stretches from Burgundy to Normandy and is home to over 18 million people.

In the context of climate change (water scarcity, flooding, and adaptation of territories), the workshop explores the concept of a “Great Seine Valley Garden,” reconciling ecological considerations, land use, and shared governance. The aim is to propose narratives and concrete actions for resilient, inclusive, and desirable territories.

The approach is multi-scalar and unfolds through several thematic sessions across the entire basin: the Seine’s headwaters, the metropolitan Seine area, and the lower Seine. This work will shape the year 2025, culminating in an international event in September. The workshop’s proposals will be presented to decision-makers and experts, and four summary documents will be published as open-access publications.