"Workers stand near a mutilated plane tree on the riverbanks..."

#11765228

11 November 2024

Workers stand near a mutilated plane tree on the riverbanks of the Canal. The Gendarmerie blocks access to one of the rivers of the Canal du Midi to expel 'ecureuils' (i.e., 'squirrels') who occupy trees. 'Ecureuils' occupy the trees to block their cutting for the LGV (high-speed train line) near the ST-Jory lock on the Canal du Midi. Many residents come to support the 'ecureuils' standing in the trees. In one day, CNAMO policemen dislodge only one 'ecureuil'. Zadists (i.e., 'development protesters') begin to install a ZAD (Zone to Defend, a militant occupation intended to physically blockade a development project) along the Canal du Midi (Unesco World Heritage Site). They intend to block the construction of a new high-speed train line between Toulouse and Bordeaux. 'Ecureuils' (i.e., people living in trees nicknamed 'squirrels') already live in some trees near the Canal du Midi. However, there are already two train lines between Bordeaux and Toulouse. The project price tag is EUR14 billion as projected in 2014. The works and the line use more than 6,300 ha of good soils, of which 3,000 ha are forests and 370 ha are wetlands in Toulouse, France, on November 10, 2024.

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