Let's act together to preserve the plane trees of the Canal du Midi
Le Boat, European leader in the rental of boats without a licence, is joining the initiative of the Voies Navigables de France to help preserve the Canal du Midi’s plane trees. An architectural jewel listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Canal du Midi is affected by the canker stain disease. The replanting program set up by Voies Navigables de France aims to preserve the biodiversity of the most famous canal in France, which thousands of customers discover each year on board our boats. Find out what we’re doing to help and learn how you can get involved in restoring this beautiful boating holiday region.
© Photo credit: Vianney GOMA
What is canker stain?
A marvel listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Canal du Midi is now affected by the canker stain disease, which threatens its plane trees and all the biodiversity closely linked to it. The only reliable method today to stem the spread is to cut trees in contaminated areas. Nearly 30,000 trees are affected and cuts are increasing. Together, let’s stand together and save this beauty in the South of France!
Replanting program
The VNF project is divided into 4 stages and will restore the beauty and diversity of the Canal du Midi in the years to come. Since 2011, the felling of plane trees has been the only solution to curb the spread of the disease. Replanting is then based on different species in the three departments of Aude, Hérault and Haute-Garonne.
Preservation of biodiversity
The reconstruction of the banks is also a necessary step to avoid the weakening of the approaches to the Canal. The protection of animal diversity is also a key point of the campaign through the installation of nesting boxes.
Why is Emerald Star associated?
As one of our most popular canal boat holidays, the Canal du Midi is the favourite destination of thousands of our customers each year. Emerald Star must participate in the Replanting and Preservation Program in collaboration with Voies Navigables de France and we are therefore part of The Club des Entreprises as an official sponsor.
Donation campaign
The sponsorship mission of Voies Navigables de France offers individuals the opportunity to participate in the preservation of one of the emblems of French heritage. If, like us, you love the Canal du Midi, do not hesitate to take part in the organised collection actions.
News – Let’s replant the Canal du Midi
If you love the Canal du Midi as much as we do, you’ll find all the events related to the sponsorship mission on the replanting of the canal site, as well as the latest news on the subject.
The key figures of replanting
- 1350 nest boxes installed since 2006 to protect animal biodiversity
- 18000 trees replanted since 2011: a total of seven intercropping species have been selected (hackberry, Norway maple, small- and large-leaved linden, hop hornbeam, white poplar, umbrella pine and Turkey oak)
- 30600 plane trees cut down since 2006: almost half of the plane trees bordering the Canal du Midi had to be cut down and burned on the spot
- 65km of riverbanks restored since 2011: reformation of embankments and in the event of severe deterioration, laying of planks and piles on the edges of the canal
