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

An 'Ecureuil' ('squirrel') is climbing on 'Majo', the London plane, which has been labeled '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 coveted label of 'Outstanding Tree of the Year' to 'Majo', a London plane. This London plane, along with other trees, would have been illegally cut by NGE/Atosca if 'Ecureuils' ('squirrels') had not stayed in the trees for 39 days. After a 39-day police siege of the Crem'Arbres, the French Justice has recognized that the Crem'Arbre must be protected and the trees must remain uncut until September 1st. People, sympathizers, and LVEL members are gathering for the presentation of the 'Outstanding Tree of the Year' label. In Saix, Tarn, France, on the planned A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres, opponents have set up a ZAD dubbed 'Crem'Arbre' (i.e., ZAD: Zone To Defend) and 'Ecureuils' ('squirrels') are living in the trees to block their cutting. The main collective 'La Voie est Libre' (i.e., 'The Way is Free') is demanding that the highway construction be halted until all judicial decisions on the matter are finalized. Not all expropriations for farmers have been resolved. Opponents of this project argue that the reprofiling of the N126 would be sufficient for the 6,000 vehicles expected per day and would cost far less money. The A69 highway is projected to cost EUR512 million (in 2018 euros, excluding inflation) for 53 kilometers. More than 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural fields are at risk of destruction. The event is taking place in Saix, Tarn, France, on April 26, 2024. (Photo by Alain Pitton/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#11182770
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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