In 1995, the French State had the delicate task of safeguarding the Chauvet cave, checking the balance of internal climate, and providing the amenities that would allow research to be conducted. In 2000, with a great deal having been done under the auspices of the DRAC Rhône-Alpes, the Ministry of Culture created the Chauvet Cave Preservation Department to continue monitoring its internal balance.
Linked to the DRAC Rhône-Alpes, the department monitors the cave's climatological and bacteriological state using specialised laboratories, and oversees the maintenance activities of the cave, both outside and inside. Since being listed as World Heritage on 22 June 2014, the need for supervision was turned up a notch and relies on this department.