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 expanding this collaboration in 2026, to increase 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 a tangible impact in each region, by working closely with local authorities, AXA employees, and regional media.
Citizens and Regions at the Heart of Project Selection
The public was invited to vote for one of two environmental projects in five French regions, covering the entire country. The winning project in each region receives €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 has been renewed, enabling regions to select the projects that will benefit from our support. From April 20 to May 20, 13,000 citizens voted online, with the support of a dedicated digital campaign and the AXA network across France.
Regional Projects Elected for 2026 Support
Île-de-France
Depollution of sediments in the Seine and the Oise.West
“Grand-Rue”: Refilling a strategic water reserve and restoring an outstanding natural site.NorthEast
Landscape and biodiversity enhancement along a section of the Burgundy Canal.SouthWest
Replanting 600 trees along the Canal du Midi.SouthEast
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) as well as the 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 a tangible contribution is made to safeguarding natural capital across territories.