FRANCE-ENVIRONMENT-AGRICULTURE-ENERGY

ALTERNATIVE CROP An environmental activists (L) throws a tear gas grenade back to riot policemen (Unseen) during skirmishes on a construction site in the Sivens forest, as clearing has started in preparation of the Sivens dam construction, on September 9, 2014 near Gaillac, in the Tarn region. Although the construction of the dam would help supply water to nearby farms, it would remove a 13 hectares long reservoir of biodiversity. Proponents of the dam - including the FDSEA (Departemental Federation of syndicated farmers) - deemed necessary to secure water supplies for farmers. Opponents - backed by French Europe Ecologie Les Verts (EELV) green party member of the European Parliament - are moved by the disappearance of a wetland sheltering 94 protected species and therefore denounce the projected irrigated agricultural model. AFP PHOTO / REMY GABALDA (Photo credit should read REMY GABALDA/AFP via Getty Images)