He has watched over the premises for nearly 150 years in Villenouvelle (Haute-Garonne). Its gnarled trunk, dead branches and cavities serve as a showcase for biodiversity. This acacia is a rare species that environmental protection experts never tire ofobserve. They even have it labellisé “remarkable tree”. “If you cut down this tree, you will have the biodiversity that will disappear”emphasizes Janine Cransac, head of the “remarkable trees” commission.
Real environmental obligation contract
Helen Galliegue is very attached to her old tree, which is almost part of the family. “He would be a silent grandfather, both welcoming and non-judgmental”she says. So that after her, the next buyers continue to protect it, she signed a contract, before a notary, with an association which undertakes to come once a year to protect the tree. This is called a real environmental obligation. “The next buyer agrees to open her bears to the association once a year, and undertakes to gburn the tree”, says Nathalie Hewisondirection of the association trees and landscapes of Autan.
