Région Sud reaffirms its ambition with a 100% green budget
On June 3, during the 3rd regional COP, Région Sud assessed its ecological policy and reaffirmed its ambitions.
In a context marked by strong budgetary constraints and geopolitical uncertainties, the Région convened its third regional Conference of the Parties (COP).
In the presence of the minister of the Transition écologique and numerous regional stakeholders, the regional executive reaffirmed its determination to pursue and accelerate the ecological transformation, positioning itself as a major player in ecological planning in France.
“The Région will remain a hub of stability, responsibility, and action,” hammered François de Canson at the opening of the session.
Launched two years ago alongside Minister Christophe Béchu, this initiative led on December 11, 2024, to a transformation plan validated by nearly 500 participants, structured around 16 roadmaps.
A decade of commitments and concrete results
The Région’s environmental policy is nothing new. As early as 2017, a first Plan Climat was co-constructed with local authorities, industrialists, businesses, and associations.
The initial objective was to make the Région the first region in Europe to fully respect the Accords de Paris.
“This commitment has translated into an increasing share of the regional budget dedicated to the environment, rising from 20% (representing €370 million in 2018) to 40% today under the banner of the ‘COP d’Avance’ strategy.”
The assessment shows significant results in five key areas. Concerning air quality, no pollution peaks were recorded in the Alpes, and the electrification of ferries in Marseille (“Escale Zéro Fumée”) reduced pollutant emissions by 25%.
For the sea, 100% of marinas are committed to the “Ports Propres” approach. On land, three million trees have been planted in three years, burned areas have been halved since 2017, and 37% of agricultural land is organically farmed.
The energy sector saw the installation of the first pilot floating wind farm off Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône and a 45% increase in photovoltaic capacity.
Finally, household waste recycling has progressed by 10% in three years,” continued François de Canson.
A 100% green budget, a first in Europe
Since December 16, 2023, the Région has taken a decisive step by adopting Europe's first 100% green budget. Every euro invested is now subject to strict environmental criteria, based on international standards, to guarantee a direct contribution to the ecological transition.
“This ambition is driven by solid governance tools such as the Parlement de la Mer, the Comité régional de l’énergie, or the AGORA de l’eau. Having become a pilot region for ecological planning on November 14, 2022, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur has established itself as a national laboratory. The recognition of this action is also international, with membership in the R20 network, an agreement with Costa Rica, and a partnership with UNESCO,” he further detailed.
Perspectives 2026
The mayor of La Londe-les-Maures added: “The year 2025 was marked by the ratification of transition agreements by 122 regional players and the acceleration of several plans (solar, floating wind, wastewater reuse). For 2026, structural projects are planned, such as the diversion of the étang de Berre to preserve the ecosystem and secure the irrigation of the plaine de la Crau, as well as the creation of the tenth Parc naturel régional des Maures–Estérel–Tanneron. However, a shadow hangs over these outlooks with the withdrawal of the ice hub in Nice for the 2030 Winter Olympic Games, described as having dramatic consequences by the Région.”
More than €300 million in lost investments and estimated economic benefits of €550 million that will not feed into the local fabric are mentioned.
The regional vice-president, finally, insisted on the importance of collective mobilization, citing as an example the operation “Nettoyons le Sud” which brought together 25,000 citizens to collect more than 100 tons of waste.
“To accelerate, State funding, via the Fonds Vert and ADEME, is deemed essential. This scheme represented a budget of €160M for the region in 2023, but the amounts are decreasing (€138M in 2024, €75M in 2025, and €64M planned for 2026). These funds have enabled major projects to be realized, such as the rehabilitation of the Lycée Félix Esclangon in Manosque (€5M), the energy renovation of the Cité mixte Charles de Gaulle in Apt (€7M), or the experimentation of a carpooling line between Toulon and Cuers (€1M). The Région intends to remain the last-mile player, alongside all local partners, to achieve the set objectives,” concluded François de Canson.
Photos Région Sud.