More than 200 people from 32 eco associations - including Greenpeace and green party Europe Écologie-Les Verts (EELV) - have protested at the controversial “Tropicalia” greenhouse site in northern France.
The €73million Tropicalia project, near Berck-sur-Mer in Pas-de-Calais, is set to build the world’s biggest single-domed tropical greenhouse, covering over two hectares - or 20,000 square meters - in glass.
Expected to reach 32 metres high at completion, the dome will have a humid atmosphere with temperatures of 26-28C.
Designed by French architecture practice Coldefy & Associates in collaboration with energy company Dalkia, it is set to include a forest of tropical plants and trees, a waterfall leading to an Olympic-sized pool filled with Amazonian fish visible through an aquarium-style glass surface, a 1km walking route, and animals such as exotic reptiles, butterflies, and birds.
The site is also expected to include an auditorium, bed-and-breakfast accommodation, a bar-restaurant, a conference room, a scientific laboratory, and a clinic.
It is hoping to attract more than 500,000 visitors per year, and had been expected to open in 2021. However it has been hit by major delays, partly due to the Covid-19 pandemic crisis.