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A69 Highway : 'Majo' Of The Crem'arbres ZAD Receives The Label 'Outstanding Tree Of The Year'

An 'Ecureuil' is climbing in 'Majo', a London plane that has been awarded the title 'Outstanding Tree of the Year'. Georges Feterman, the president of the NGO A.R.B.R.E.S, is visiting the Crem'Arbres to present the prestigious label to 'Majo'. This London plane, along with other trees, would have been illegally cut down by NGE/Atosca if the 'Ecureuils' (meaning 'squirrels') had not occupied the trees for 39 days. Following a 39-day police siege at the Crem'Arbres, the French Justice has ruled that the Crem'Arbre must be protected and the trees cannot be cut until September 1st. People, sympathizers, and LVEL members are attending the ceremony to celebrate the awarding of the 'Outstanding Tree of the Year' label. In Saix, Tarn, on the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres, opponents have set up a ZAD named 'Crem'Arbre' (meaning 'Zone To Defend'), and 'Ecureuils' ('squirrels') have been living in the trees to prevent them from being cut down. The main collective 'La Voie est Libre' (meaning 'The Way is Free') is demanding that the highway construction be halted until all judicial decisions have been made. The expropriations for farmers have not been resolved. Opponents of the project argue that the reprofiling of the N126 would be sufficient for the anticipated 6,000 vehicles per day and would cost significantly less. The A69 highway is projected to cost EUR512 million (in 2018 euros, excluding inflation) for 53 kilometers, and its construction would destroy over 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural land. In Saix, Tarn, France, on April 26, 2024. (Photo by Alain Pitton/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#11182758
Date Taken	26 April 2024
Location	N/A
Photographer	Alain Pitton/NurPhoto
Category	Social Issue
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Alain Pitton/NurPhoto

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