A subsidiary of EDF Renewables, operating a wind farm in Guadeloupe, has agreed to finance forest restoration work to the tune of 750,000 euros. This measure, overseen by the judiciary, comes after the destruction of protected species and the uncontrolled clearing of over 32,000 square meters of forest at the Petit-Canal site, located in the northern part of the island.
Judicially-Mandated Funding
The National Forestry Office (ONF) had observed the environmental impact of the work carried out by the company Parc Éolien de Petit-Canal, a subsidiary of EDF Renewables. The judiciary then approved an alternative to legal action by imposing specific funding for the restoration of the dry forest in Nord Grande-Terre. According to Caroline Calbo, the public prosecutor of Pointe-à-Pitre, this decision aligns with a policy of restorative measures, which are often favored in cases of environmental infractions.
A Wind Project at the Heart of Controversy
The site affected by this land clearing was part of a project to renew the installations. In 2021, the company replaced 32 old wind turbines, which had been in operation for over twenty years, with 10 new machines intended to supply power to approximately 9,000 households. The company clarified that it had only ordered clearing around the wind turbines and had filed a complaint against third parties for illegal deforestation and illegal charcoal production in the same area.
Actions to Restore Biodiversity
The allocated funds will be used to replant protected species affected by the work and develop awareness initiatives through new educational tools. The project also includes supervision of the restoration efforts by the ONF to ensure the sustainability of the restoration actions.
