Image above: detail from the Taubenlochschlucht, Bienne, 2024, January Eckert.
Eaux du Jura is an investigation of the Jura’s watercourses, revealing the region’s geological history and ecological importance. The Jura Mountains, with their deep gorges and ancient strata, offer a unique window into our Earth’s history. The landscapes reveal sediments from the ancient Tethys Sea, providing a tangible link to a prehistoric era. The Suze and other rivers flowing through these gorges are key to the region’s ecosystem and contribute to two major European rivers: The Rhône and the Rhine.
Jura river waters are essential to the region’s famous vineyards and contribute to the distinctive terroir of Jura wines through their unique mineral composition influenced by limestone geology. In addition, these watercourses have long been vital to local industries, particularly watchmaking.
However, climate change poses a significant threat to this delicate balance. As summers in the Jura become hotter and drier, many streams are at risk of drying up, potentially disrupting the region’s bioclimatic balance, agricultural practices and cultural traditions.