Exhibition “Water to human life and society” in the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

“Water to human life and society” is the name of an interesting exhibition held in the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long to mark the 40th anniversary of Vietnam – France diplomatic ties ((1973-2013) and strengthen the close and sustainable cooperation relation between Hanoi and Toulouse since 1996. The event is co-implemented by Toulouse Natural Museum and Thang Long – Hanoi Heritage Conservation Centre.

The exhibition covers the following contents: Water and life, Water and Human beings, Water and Countries, Water-relating issues.

By natural and concise interpretation, the museum experts from the Toulouse Natural Museum introduced to the public an exciting journey of water, bringing in a very close and clear look that water is the center wheel of life on earth.

Let’s view the wonderful journey of water, from its birth in the universe, then arrival in the earth, appearance everywhere in the formation and development of life, the close and essential companion between human beings and water; the need of preserving water for the future of next generations.

With vivid pictures, the exhibition introduced the natural cycle of water, a small molecule that is formed from an oxygen atom linked to two hydrogen atoms. Water is everywhere in the universe, despite low concentration. Our earth is covered by water mostly in liquid form, sometimes in solid form and one exception: gas form. Water is distributed on the whole surface and makes the earth blue. The life appeared in ocean over 3.5 billion years but existed on the earth 3 billion years later. However, no living creature can maintain life without water, a main component of its body. Each cell is a tiny tank full of water required for the physio-chemical process in the development, life and death of creature. Moreover, all metazoans have a liquid circulation network to ensure the division and elimination of substances in life.

Long ago in history, people closely connected to water, always tried to control water source. People studied to master and use water based on the technical advance in stopping water flow, change flow, store and cross beyond sea to explore new world. Collecting and directing water, distribution management, water treatment are the ways people treat water to control and use it. In addition, water is associated with culture, symbol of culture. In all cultures, even the most long-lasting one, water is always considered as an important symbol in the relation that we keep with other countries worldwide. Vital for life of both human beings and animals, water is a benefactor god traveling with human beings from their birth until death.

Nowadays, water is not an unlimited natural resource, but a limited consumer product. While people want to ensure the fair and healthy distribution of water on earth, they themselves contaminate water resulting in the serious environment situations with climate change. Flood, tsunami, environment pollution are the calamity suffered by human beings.

Many countries are facing with water problems. At present, 1.1 billion people across the world cannot get access to clean water. Climate change and population growth lead to water exhaust in several places.

By 2050, the earth will have 9 billion people. Right from now, we have to solve the matter of clean water supply, irrigation and food security. With the development of science and technology, people will continually create, invent and give out the water concepts such as city on water, city under sea, salty water into fresh water treating plant, etc.

The messages of water are interpreted through materials, models, and interactive games, especially attractive and interesting to children, school and academic students.

The exhibition is opened from 30/10/2013 to 28/2/2014.

Kim Yen