Contributing to the protection of the local natural heritage
In response to declining biodiversity, Groupe BPCE is implementing a concrete approach to protecting the local natural heritage, an initiative that falls within the scope of the VISION 2030 strategic project.
Strong regional roots
At Groupe BPCE, whose very identity is rooted in mutualist values and local presence, we have chosen to act together through a strong, practical initiative to support biodiversity and protect local natural ecosystems. This initiative, led by Banques Populaires, Caisses d’Epargne, Natixis, and Banque Palatine, forms part of the VISION 2030 strategic project. The goal is to contribute to the protection of 30 local ecosystems related to water and forests by the end of 2026. The ecosystem preservation projects supported are located in the heart of the territories where the Group is present, both in France and abroad.
An approach based on an impact framework and supported by a scientific committee
Each project is developed within an impact framework grounded in the ecosystem services methodology and established for this initiative, together with a scientific committee. The committee – comprised of experts and national institutions specializing in issues related to biodiversity, water, and forests – verifies the compliance of each proposed project. The management and monitoring of each project’s action plan is carried out in accordance with the requirements of the impact framework and is entrusted to local technical and scientific structures. The scientific committee reviews the projects included in the initiative on an annual basis.
30 ecosystems protected by December 2026 Objective of the VISION 2030 strategic plan
23 projects approved by the scientific committee Figure as of Sept. 18, 2025
This collective mobilization by Groupe BPCE demonstrates our commitment both to nature and to regional France, and our ability to implement solutions closely aligned with local needs to ensure an overall positive impact.
Membership of the Scientific Committee
-
Water economist, founder of the consulting and data firm Water Wiser, Chair of the Scientific Committee.
-
Forestry expert, CEO of Forestry France, a company dedicated to sustainable forest management.
-
Oceanographer, scientific mediator on ocean environmental issues.
-
Specialist in environmental physiology and biodiversity, former president of the National Museum of Natural History.
-
Naturalist, director of the Hauts-de-France Conservatory of Natural Areas, representative of the Conservatories of Natural Areas.
-
Engineer in water science and technology, representative of the French Waterways Authority, Voies navigables de France.
Natural ecosystems preserved by the Banques Populaires
-
Banque Populaire Aquitaine Centre Atlantique
Restoration and maintenance of the Hostens wetlands through the introduction of eco-grazing by Marine Landaise cattle.
-
Banque Populaire Alsace Lorraine Champagne
Combating the invasive plant Myriophyllum heterophyllum in the Meuse and studying ways to utilize the biomass generated.
-
Banque Populaire Alsace Lorraine Champagne
Improving the level of biodiversity consideration in the management of the Defay forest and increasing its potential to support flora and fauna.
-
Banque Populaire Auvergne Rhône Alpes
Combating the spread of invasive plants in the Saône to protect the environment and biodiversity.
-
Banque Populaire Auvergne Rhône Alpes
Restoring a wetland in the Beaujolais region by improving the hydrological functioning of the peat bog and wetland area.
-
Banque Populaire Bourgogne Franche-Comté
Integration of more resilient deciduous species to ensure forest sustainability and enhance biodiversity in the Nesle massif.
-
Banque Populaire du Nord
Combating invasive plants on the Sambre.
-
Banque Populaire du Nord
Ecological restoration of the marine ecosystems of Wimereux with the creation of reefs.
-
Banque Populaire du Nord
Maintenance of the Aubigny-au-Bac marsh site.
-
Banque Populaire du Nord
Maintenance of the Escaut Rivière Regional Nature Reserve site.
-
Banque Populaire Occitane
Replanting of trees along the Canal du Midi to combat a fungus: golden canker.
-
BRED Banque Populaire
Restoration of seagrass beds in the Martinique Marine Nature Park through the installation of some fifteen eco-friendly mooring systems as alternatives to anchoring.
-
Banque Populaire Méditerranée
Restoration of a Posidonia seagrass bed within the Natura 2000 area in the Calvi–Cargèse sea.
Natural ecosystems preserved by the Caisses d’Epargne
-
Caisse d'Epargne Aquitaine Poitou-Charentes
Restoration of the forest edge in the Matoucat forest and creation of lagoons.
-
Caisse d'Epargne Bretagne Pays de Loire
Restoration of a section of the Quistnic forest.
-
Caisse d'Epargne Hauts-de-France
Support for a restoration, management, and conservation plan for the Bois de Toaillon, the Bois de la Loterie, and the Marais de Cambrin Regional Nature Reserve.
-
Caisse d'Epargne Hauts-de-France
Action plan for three sites that are home to heritage species: Fond Mont Joye, Bois de Blacourt, and the Saint-Pierre-ès-Champs Regional Nature Reserve.
-
Caisse d'Epargne Hauts-de-France
Site protection: Landes de Versigny, Bois Brûlés, Royaucourt, and Chailvet.
-
Caisse d'Epargne Loire Centre
Conservation and adaptation of the Henrichemont forest.
-
Caisse d'Epargne Rhône Alpes
Conservation and adaptation of the Haute Valette forest in the Vercors.
Natural ecosystems preserved by other Group entities
-
Banque Palatine
Contribution to the restoration of the mangroves in Loza Bay, Madagascar.
-
BPCE
Maintenance of the Bois du Roi forest in the Oise region, part of the SYLVAE program for the conservation of old-growth forests.
-
Natixis
Working through the Natixis Foundation, this project aims to conserve a wetland reserve in the United Kingdom.
