Report on support for the replanting of the Canal du Midi

In 2023, the Fondation Etrillard supported Voies navigables de France (VNF) in its efforts to restore the Canal du Midi, a jewel of the landscape that has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996 and has been at risk since 2006.

The plane trees lining the canal are affected by an incurable disease called canker disease, which is wreaking havoc and can only be controlled by felling and replanting.

In 2023, for the first time since VNF began restoring the river, more trees were planted (1,333) than felled (900). This represents 8 kilometres of riverbank restored. In addition, 150 nesting boxes were installed along the canal this year.

The Fondation Etrillard is delighted to have contributed to the collection of €450,000 in private donations in 2023, alongside other corporate sponsors, in the service of this heritage, environmental and regional cause.

There are now 13,500 trees to replant in order to restore the entire tree canopy, which means another 10 years of work.