A citizens' initiative group working to protect trees—fundamental and essential components of ecosystems—in all their diverse habitats

The National Tree Watch Group (GNSA) was founded in May 2019 by tree climber and arborist Thomas Brail in response to development projects that would result in the destruction of trees that were healthy and protected under various laws, particularly Article L350-3 of the Environmental Code. 

A network of citizens then spontaneously formed on social media, notably following Thomas Brail’s highly publicized protest, during which he spent 28 days in September 2019 perched in a plane tree across from the Ministry of Ecological Transition in Paris.

Since the summer of 2020, the GNSA has become a national association, now boasting a network of more than 50 GNSA chapters throughout France. 

It is composed of citizens, including professionals, with a wide variety of backgrounds and skills who share the same determination to defend the cause of trees, as trees are a "common good."

While certain roles and functions of trees are well known to the general public (timber, carbon sequestration, oxygen production, etc.), regarding climate emergencies and air pollution linked to public health, there remains essential daily awareness-raising work to be done to demonstrate all the benefits trees provide us.

The link between large trees, the climate, air quality, and public health is well established. We observe on the ground that many trees are being felled for various urban development projects or construction projects designed without respect for trees and their role in the ecosystem. This very often results in public misunderstanding and local protest movements. The GNSA was born out of these observations and the citizens’ desire to bring about behavioral change. This involves raising awareness of new scientific and legal advancements, which is precisely what the GNSA proposes and shares: www.gnsafrance.org

The GNSA offers to assist and support citizens, collectives, associations, and institutions in their efforts to challenge tree-cutting projects and to support all groups fighting for the protection of trees in both urban and rural areas. 

Its objectives are to alert, monitor, engage in dialogue, and respond to tree-cutting situations by disseminating information useful for any tree preservation efforts: technical, cartographic, legal, educational, and media resources...

The GNSA calls for changes to the French legal framework regarding tree protection. In addition to Article L350-3, cited above, there are also other laws that “theoretically” protect trees from human error: the Heritage Code (Historic Monuments), the Environmental Code (protected sites and heritage species, Green and Blue Infrastructure), and the Urban Planning Code (Classified Wooded Areas, protected sectors). These laws are often rarely or poorly enforced, particularly because they are little known or ignored by project managers. There is a frequent lack of awareness regarding the requirement for a two-month on-site notice period, as stipulated in Article R600-2 of the Urban Planning Code. Ensuring compliance with this requirement allows time for public consultation and, if necessary, for appeals.