Editorial photo #11096574 Environmental Issue
After 37 Days In The Trees To Block The Cut Of Trees For The A69 Highway, 'Ecureuils Climb Down
Thomas Brail, the founder of the GNSA, is filming with his smartphone Reva, one of the three 'Ecureuils', in Saix, France, on March 24, 2024. After 37 days in the trees, the last three 'Ecureuils', who have been living in the trees of the Crem'Arbre ZAD (Zone To Defend), are climbing down as the French Justice has recognized that the Crem'Arbre must be protected and the trees cannot be cut until September 1st. People, sympathizers, and LVEL members are coming to welcome the 'Ecureuils' on the ground. Riot police are present but only to avoid public disorder. The 'Ecureuils' and their trees have been besieged by police for more than a month. Opponents of the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres have installed a ZAD dubbed 'Crem'Arbre', and the 'Ecureuils' are living in the trees to block their cutting. The main collective 'La Voie est Libre' wants the highway to be stopped until all the justice decisions are made. All expropriations for farmers have not been cleared. Opponents of this project argue that the reprofiling of the N126 would be sufficient for the 6,000 vehicles planned per day and would cost far less money. The A69 highway is projected to cost EUR512 million (in 2018 euros without inflation) for 53 kilometers, and its construction would destroy more than 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural fields. (Photo by Alain Pitton/NurPhoto)
