Editorial photo #11096586 Environmental Issue
After 37 Days In The Trees To Block The Cut Of Trees For The A69 Highway, 'Ecureuils Climb Down
Reva and Tapir, two of the 'Ecureuils', are holding a press conference. After 37 days in the trees, the last three 'Ecureuils' 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. In Saix, Tarn, France, on the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres, opponents have installed a ZAD dubbed 'Crem'Arbre', and '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 given. All expropriations for farmers aren't cleared. Opponents of this project say that the reprofiling of the N126 will be sufficient for the 6,000 vehicles planned per day and would cost far less money. The A69 highway will cost EUR512 million (in 2018 euros without inflation) for 53 kilometers. More than 100 protected species and 400ha of agricultural fields will be destroyed. The event is taking place in Saix, Tarn, France, on March 24, 2024. (Photo by Alain Pitton/NurPhoto)
