Since 2022, the AXA Foundation for Human Progress has partnered with Voies Navigables de France (VNF) to protect biodiversity and water resources along 6,700 km of rivers, canals, and waterways.
Building on this success, we are renewing and scaling up this collaboration in 2026, expanding our impact across French regions.
This program addresses key climate challenges affecting French waterways, including water level management, wetland preservation, invasive species control, and diversification of tree species to protect riverbanks.
With VNF’s local presence and our support, the initiative aims to deliver tangible impact in each region, working closely with local authorities, AXA employees, and regional media.
Citizens and Regions at the Heart of Project Selection
The public is invited to vote between two environmental projects in five French regions, covering the entire country. The winning project in each region will receive €100,000 in support.
This citizen-driven approach has already mobilized 10,000 votes in 2023 and 15,000 in 2024.
In 2026, this initiative is renewed, enabling regions to select the projects that will benefit from our support. From April 20 to May 20, citizens are invited to vote online, supported by a dedicated digital campaign and the AXA network across France. Results will be announced on May 22, the International Day for Biological Diversity.
Regional Projects Eligible for 2026 Support
Île-de-France
Depollution of sediments in the Seine and the Oise
Removal and cutting of wrecks on the Seine basin
West
“Grand-Rue”: refilling a strategic water reserve and restoring an outstanding natural site
Depollution and biodiversity restoration on Jonquay Island
North-East
“Clean Canals”: towards an exemplary network between Nancy and Saverne
Landscape and biodiversity enhancement along a section of the Burgundy Canal
South-West
Replanting 600 trees along the Canal du Midi
Removing wrecks along the lateral canal to the Garonne (Lot-et-Garonne)
South-East
Assessing the impact of the Saône on groundwater in the context of climate change
Reusing sediments from the Rhône–Sète Canal to support agricultural soils
Scaling our Contribution to Climate Resilience
Through our partnership with VNF and the Terre d’Eau Foundation, we are committed to funding regional projects that protect water resources and biodiversity. Beyond financial support, the program boosts visibility and engagement through social media voting campaigns (aiming for at least 10,000 votes annually) and active involvement of AXA teams at the local level.
By combining local environmental action with broad citizen participation, this partnership strengthens climate resilience, restores ecosystems, and makes a tangible contribution to safeguarding natural capital across territories.