L'empire de la nature: Colonial Botanical Gardens History

This conference explores the history of botanical gardens established in European colonies across the Caribbean, Asia, and Africa from the late 18th century to the 1930s. These gardens were initially tools of colonial domination, projecting an image of tamed tropical nature while participating in a global economy through plant nurseries, near-free labor, and cultivation of profitable species for the metropole.

Led by historian Hélène Blais, professor at ENS-PSL and author of the book on the subject, the talk examines how these gardens contributed to the exploitation of natural resources alongside other colonial institutions. It delves into their daily administration, their promotion of a controlled and idealized nature, and their political function within the colonial system.

Attendees will gain insight into the complex role of these gardens in importing new products like tea, coffee, cocoa, spices, gum, and quinine. The event is part of the "Automne de la science" series in Paris libraries, offering a thought-provoking evening for those interested in colonial history, botany, and the intersections of nature and power.