Tune in on Sunday as redfish presents The eco-rebels who beat the French state: Inside la ZAD, the story of how farmers and anti-capitalists united to score a rare victory over the government.
The ZAD – meaning Zone to Defend – was formed in 2009 when activists occupied 1,650 hectares of land earmarked for a new airport in Notres-Dames-des-Landes.
They established a thriving alternative community which united farmers facing eviction and anti-capitalist activists who came together to defend it in the face of state repression.
In January French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe announced the government’s 40 year plan was to be scrapped. He vowed to clear the “illegal occupation” by the spring, however ZAD activists say they are “prepared and ready to fight with all means possible” to stay on the land that has been their home for the past 10 years.
In gaining rare access to the camp, redfish met with those who hope their victory inspires other struggles both in France and globally.Farmer Sylvie said: “It’s a huge victory but it’s not over. lt is a big step, but now we need to enable the people who came here to live an alternative experience in this struggle, to be able to anchor themselves on this land.”
More: