The global context is today marked by a flood of invocation patrimonial and by the multiplication, in the field of the development, of the requests to identify, analyze, valorize very different patrimonies.

Due to the disciplinary diversity of UMR members, heritage processes are studied in their ecological, archaeological, museographic, geographical and territorial, political, sociological and historical dimensions, from an interdisciplinary perspective. Paloc's research therefore responds to fundamental research objectives (understanding the nature of heritage objects and the context of their emergence, and following the current patrimonialization processes and their consequences). It also has a finalized objective: to support and even respond to certain heritage requests from institutional or local actors (studies prior to museology, museography, qualification of heritage, labeling, classification of areas or knowledge systems.

The actions of PALOC respond to the missions of its two authorities:
- by investing in the South and developing partially finalized research, influencing public policies and the development of local communities, for the IRD;
- by developing work on the management and governance of biodiversity, for the MNHN.

To respond to the constant changes in the field of heritage, as much in their object as in their invocation, instrumentalization or staging, the UMR is structured in three scientific axes: territories / biodiversity / staging. Added to this is a transversal axis, a place of synergy, action and collective reflection.
In the various fields in the South where they operate, Paloc researchers are engaged in scientific programs in partnership with various institutions in the South and North.
In addition, PALOC is involved in the management of the scientific collections of biological anthropology, ethnography and paleontology of the National Museum of Natural History and in the management of the IRD ornithology collection.