Planting 2000 trees by spring 2020 along the Canal du Midi, the new challenge of VNF
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, the Canal du Midi is a magnificent structure that has existed since the 17th century. Unfortunately, for several years now, the plane trees that border it have been attacked by a fungus: the coloured canker. The latter, by blocking their sap canals, slowly kills them. Thus, since 2006, out of the 42,000 trees along the 241 km of the waterway, 25,000 have been felled. Nevertheless, VNF (Voies Navigables de France), the manager of the Canal du Midi, has thought about its future by replanting plants. Moreover, for the winter 2019-2020, the objective has been set for 2000 and to reach it, the generosity and solidarity of the citizens are being called upon.
A call for donations to restore this work
While 25,000 plane trees have had to be felled since 2006, 13,300 other trees have been replanted, including flat maples, lime trees, umbrella pines and hackberry trees. And VNF does not intend to stop there. In order to continue its campaign during the winter of 2019-2020, VNF is appealing for donations to raise public awareness. Indeed, it costs €3,000 to plant a new tree. This sum includes the felling of the diseased plane tree, replanting, the renovation of the banks, the installation of nesting boxes to rehouse the birds (and thus preserve biodiversity) and the maintenance of the plant for 3 years. A website has been created for this purpose. In the same way, it should be remembered that donations made by companies and individuals are deductible from corporate and income tax.
Trees essential to safeguard the canal
Thanks to the donations collected by Voies Navigables de France, it has already been possible to redevelop and stabilize 34 km of banks. Before the end of March 2020, the organization would like to replant 2,000 trees and restore 8.5 km of banks. An achievable objective and above all necessary to preserve the Canal du Midi. The plane trees not only add charm to this structure by creating a sort of vault, their roots hold the banks together. But if they are cut down, the banks must be reinforced. This is an essential operation to keep the canal in perfect condition and to allow boaters and travellers to always use it for navigation.
So if you are interested, do not hesitate to consult the site dedicated to this campaign.
