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Marie Vermeersch
Published on
Dec 4 2024 at 12:16 p.m.
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It was a few weeks ago, in China. The mayor of Thoiry, François Moutot, was very proud to go on stage to receive the first prize during an international conference organized under the aegis of the United Nations. The reason: the environmental approach implemented for several decades in this Yvelines village.
An investment of more than 30 years for the environment
City gas for 20 years to get rid of oil heating; gas now green thanks to the methanization unit of the zoo; insulation of most public buildings with systematic heat pump equipment; installation in the coming days of photovoltaic equipment to power them; rehabilitation of natural spaces and ponds where possible with a multiplication of plantations of endemic species; changing public lighting to LED; recovery of rainwater to water all the plantations; device at the wastewater treatment plant to no longer have polluting material leaving the station…
The list of initiatives put in place by the town of 6,000 inhabitants is long.
A fight led at the national level
Ahead of this prize, François Moutot left with Brice Lalonde, (French environmental activist and politician), for a two-week trip with their association Équilibre des Énergies.
“We toured seven cities to show an example of what can be implemented by a community. »
A Chinese delegation visiting Thoiry
Together, the two men gave several conferences, notably in the two most prestigious Chinese universities, including that of Beijing. “We also had dinner with the former number 2 of the UN, as well as those responsible for the nuclear, photovoltaic and wind power sectors in China. An important moment to expose environmental political issues. »
During this trip, François Moutot met the mayor of Nanjing, a city of 7 million inhabitants. Links were established and during his trip to France last week, the Chinese councilor made a detour through Thoiry.
Visit to the Chinese lanterns in Thoiry Park
During its visit to the town, the Chinese delegation from Nanjing took the opportunity to visit the ZooSafari, particularly the Wild Lights section. A 2 km route dotted with Chinese lanterns! Paul de la Panouse, the founder of the park, thanked the Chinese for their presence and their invention more than 1,500 years ago. “Thanks to these lanterns, the park has increased the number of visitors sixfold in winter,” said the count.
He also detailed the environmental approach of the park which has evolved significantly in recent years. Creation of the methanization unit to convert waste from the zoo and green spaces into methane, organic farm. And soon visitors will travel within the African reserve in non-thermal vehicles, limiting carbon dioxide pollution.
“Environmental Practices Laboratory”
“Our municipality being a sort of laboratory of environmental possibilities that can be implemented, it is interesting to share our ideas. Especially since our measures are in line with the population and produce results. This also shows that the environment does not interfere with the quality of life of residents. These two notions are compatible. »
The mayor of Nanking said he was delighted to have come to Thoiry. “We want to benefit from feedback from your city because we too, for several years, have been exploring avenues for sustainable development. »
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