Drought / heatwaves: French minister for Ecological Transition announces €500k in aid to protect wildlife

A one-off grant of €500,000 has been allocated to wildlife rescue centres to help them cope with the effects of drought and heatwaves, announced Mathieu Lefèvre, Minister of State for Ecological Transition, on 28 August 2026.

This funding forms part of Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s animal protection plan, announced in July 2026, according to the Ministry for Ecological Transition.

In light of the many consequences of heatwaves - dehydration, hyperthermia, drying up of water sources and overheating of nests - the Government thus aims to “directly offset the additional costs incurred by animal care centres” (veterinary fees, food and cooling equipment).

These funds will be paid out before the end of 2026, “following the signing of contracts at departmental level”, states the MTE.

The…