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Justice confirms the cancellation of the Montagne d’Or project in Guyana
This is the end of a standoff that lasted five years. The Bordeaux administrative court of appeal confirmed on November 27 the non-extension of the concessions of the Montagne d’Or mining company. While the latter are located “in the equatorial forest of Guyana which constitutes one of the richest ecoregions in the world in terms of biodiversity”they represent “a risk of serious damage to the environment” according to the judges. Spanning an area of 40 square kilometers, the project included a vast gold extraction program. “The court underlines (…) that such environmentally devastating mining projects cannot be justified despite the economic and employment benefits”explains to Echos Anne Roques, lawyer for the FNE association. The decision may nevertheless be the subject of a final appeal before the Council of State.
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Norway suspends underwater mining prospecting permits
Norway will ultimately not issue mining prospecting permits in its seabed in 2025. Last January, the Norwegian Parliament authorized underwater exploration of more than 280,000 square kilometers, almost the equivalent of the surface of Ecuador, with a view to granting its first operating permits. The decision, the consequences of which could have been irreversible for the fauna and flora, had provoked a significant outcry. Publication of a forum, call for a moratorium or even vote on a resolution… Ultimately it is the party of the socialist left which will have succeeded in turning the tide. As part of the negotiations on the 2025 budget, he actually obtained a postponement of the project. At the same time, a trial opened on November 28 between the Norwegian state and the WWF. The latter contests the environmental impact study carried out prior to the authorization issued by Parliament.
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Swiss citizens reject the extension of six motorways
A decision “historical”. On Sunday, November 24, the Swiss were called to the polls for a referendum on the widening of six highways in the country. 53 kilometers of tracks were concerned, for a total investment of 5.3 billion Swiss francs, or 5.6 million euros. The goal is to relieve congestion on the road network. But to everyone’s surprise, the “no” vote won with 52.7% of the votes. “We voted today on six projects. But the fundamental question was whether it is acceptable, in the midst of a climate crisis, to sink billions into further encouraging motorized traffic. After today’s decision, continuing to plan further expansion projects is out of the question.”says Angela Zimmermann, campaign manager at the Actif-trafic association, in a press release.
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Night trains serving Berlin and Vienna from Paris back on track
Since November 11, it has once again been possible to reach Berlin and Vienna from the French capital by night train. Inaugurated on December 11, 2023, the line was finally interrupted due to modernization work, in France and Germany, last August. Only a few weeks after its relaunch, the connection had accumulated difficulties, delays and cancellations. Operated by the Austrian company Nightjet, journeys have resumed at the rate of two round trips per week for each destination. An offer which should be enriched soon. Not only will a round trip be added to go to Berlin and Vienna, but a new TGV connection, still between Paris and Berlin but this time during the day, should also debut on December 16.
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In the Bay of Biscay, fishing closure saves thousands of dolphins
Thousands of dolphins saved. The ban on part of fishing activities in the Bay of Biscay between January and February 2024 made it possible to reduce cetacean mortality in this area to 1,450 dolphins, compared to 6,100 on average. “The spatio-temporal closure shows a significant decrease in capture mortality (around 76% less mortality compared to previous winters)”notes in a press release Fabrice Loher, Minister Delegate for the Sea and Fisheries. This measure, imposed by the Council of State in December 2023, will be renewed for a period of two years. But ultimately, the State hopes to find alternatives to reduce the impacts caused on the sector by the fishing ban. For winter 2024, 300 vessels were in fact affected, for a total loss of turnover estimated at 30 million euros.
