MEXICO CITY.- The echoes of history resonated in the National Museum of Anthropology (MNA) this week as Mexico and France launched a collaborative effort to protect their shared cultural heritage. Officials from both nations inaugurated the "Innovation and Use of Technology in the Conservation of Cultural Heritage" meeting, a two-day event designed to explore how cutting-edge technology can preserve precious artifacts and historical sites for generations to come.

José Luis Perea González, representing INAH Director Diego Prieto Hernández, emphasized the importance of this partnership, highlighting the shared commitment to protecting "our historical and human memory." This sentiment was echoed by Blanca Jiménez Cisneros, Mexico's ambassador to France, who spoke of the long-standing cooperation between the two countries, united by a vision to preserve and share culture as a cornerstone of social cohesion and national identity.

The reconstruction of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris served as a powerful example of how technology can be instrumental in restoration efforts. Delphine Borione, France's ambassador to Mexico, urged both nations to consider not just restoration, but also preventive measures, recognizing the increasing threat of extreme events to cultural heritage. Pascal Liévaux, from the French Ministry of Culture, pointed to climate change as a particularly pressing challenge, expressing hope that Mexico and France could collaborate on addressing its impact on cultural treasures.

Valeria Valero Pié, INAH's national coordinator of historical monuments, explained that the meeting would delve into the practical applications of various technologies in cultural heritage preservation. The goal is to share knowledge, experiences, and results from technical and scientific cooperation between the two countries.

Even Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) weighed in, with Director General Víctor Rodríguez Padilla emphasizing the company's commitment to preserving both natural and cultural heritage, particularly in the sensitive areas of southeastern Mexico where archaeological discoveries are common.

The meeting kicked off with fascinating presentations. José Luis Perea González discussed INAH's long history of integrating new technologies into heritage preservation, emphasizing their role not just in conservation, but also in education and global outreach. Isabelle Chave, from the French Ministry of Culture, provided a virtual overview of France's heritage conservation policies, legal framework, and the specific technologies employed in protecting its rich cultural legacy.

The discussions will continue, culminating in presentations on the scientific challenges of restoring Notre Dame and the technological tools used in the archaeological salvage work for the Maya Train project. This collaborative effort between Mexico and France promises to be a significant step forward in safeguarding the world's cultural heritage for future generations.