500 protesters against concrete, first in a series of “earth uprisings”

About 500 people demonstrated this Saturday in Besançon against the construction of an eco-district proposed by the municipality, indicates France Bleu Besançon. They are protesting against the “concreteization” of 34 hectares of land planned in the Vaîtes district. Among their slogans: “Humus everywhere, concrete nowhere”, “let the concrete stick”, “Don’t leave concrete”.

This area of ​​34 hectares, partially urbanized, is a former agricultural wasteland hosting market gardening, allotment gardens, “wetlands and degraded forests and groves”, according to a report from the environment and climate study group , set up by the town hall. The latter wants to develop an “eco-district”, which would eventually include 1,800 new homes, as well as a school and shops.

The rally, which brought together residents of Besançon and activists from other regions, took place at the call of the association Les Jardins des Vaîtes, Extinction Rébellion Besançon, the Confédération paysanne de Franche-Comté and the movement The uprisings of the earth.

The latter is an environmental movement which foresees a total of six “earth uprisings”. Five other gatherings are planned soon against projects in Rennes, Nantes or even in the Paris region.