The Biodiversity Lotto, also known as ‘Mission Nature,’ will return in 2025, allowing players to buy €3 tickets to support nature conservation projects in France. From October 28, tickets can be purchased, with potential winnings reaching €30,000. Proceeds from ticket sales fund various ecological initiatives, including habitat restoration and species protection across distinct regions. This year’s efforts aim to raise €10 million, with new projects enhancing local biodiversity and engaging communities in environmental issues.
Could saving nature really just cost three euros? This is the concept behind the Biodiversity Lotto, officially called ‘Mission Nature’. This initiative, introduced last year by the French Office for Biodiversity (OFB) in partnership with Française des Jeux (FDJ), is modeled after the Heritage Lotto and is set to continue into 2025.
Starting October 28, purchasers can buy tickets for a chance to win up to 30,000 euros. A portion of the proceeds from these €3 tickets will fund nature conservation efforts both in France and abroad. While the OFB will unveil the 19 selected projects on Monday, TF1 has provided an exclusive preview of the map showcasing these locations.
Map Overview
The current edition has successfully raised 7 million euros, surpassing the initial target of 5 million euros. For the upcoming edition in 2025, the OFB aims to raise a remarkable 10 million euros. A highlight this year is a special FDJ lottery draw on October 28 to kick off the ‘Mission Nature’ lottery, with a larger portion of the proceeds directed towards conservation projects. For each 2.20 euro ticket sold during this draw, 0.53 euros will be allocated to the OFB, compared to 43 cents from the three euro tickets. The jackpot for the October 28 draw will be set at 2 million euros.
In 2024, funds gathered — amidst some criticism regarding their distribution — contributed to various nature restoration initiatives including rehabilitation efforts for Hermann tortoise populations in the Var, restoration of peat bogs in the Vosges, and improvements at Mont-Saint-Michel. Additionally, plans are already in motion for the 2026 edition, which will focus on marine conservation.
Selected Projects
This second edition once again provides an opportunity for the French to help protect local natural sites. ‘Each project aims to connect citizens to biodiversity issues through its exemplary nature and its ability to enhance local biodiversity’, states the OFB. The chosen 19 projects are categorized into four areas: grasslands, wetlands, oceans and coasts, and forests.
In Auvergne, one initiative focuses on restoring agricultural ponds. ‘The ongoing restoration of ponds, supported by farmers, promotes biodiversity while aiding traditional farming methods’, explains the lotto presentation materials. Another project in the region aims to reintroduce Salzmann pine, a climate-resilient species.
In Burgundy, a grant will assist the Conservatoire d’espaces naturels in preserving limestone pastures, facilitating farmers’ transition to sustainable practices. Additionally, a plan aims to protect a forest while engaging the community in its sustainable management.
Brittany features the Cap Sizun associative reserve, known for supporting seabird breeding during spring, among its selected projects.
In Centre-Val-de-Loire, efforts will focus on restoring 52 ponds within the Brenne Regional Nature Park, an ecosystem that has suffered from human impact. This region, along with the Chambord National Estate, will also see pond protection efforts funded by the lottery.
Similar projects will occur in Vaucresson, within the Ile-de-France region, and in Rochefort, where marshes are set for restoration in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
In Corsica, the initiative will safeguard the Pozzi du Renosu, a Natura 2000 site facing threats from increased hiker traffic. Funds will be allocated to create an educational trail around the most sensitive areas.
In Hauts-de-France, the Conservatoire du littoral will manage 286 hectares in the marais audomarois, which has suffered from frequent floods. In Normandy, a former peat extraction site will undergo restoration.
While all these ecosystems support a variety of plant and animal life, several projects specifically target the conservation of certain species. In the Grand Est, for instance, the LPO is working to protect both the Barn Owl and the Little Owl, ‘two species closely tied to agricultural landscapes’, as noted by the OFB.
In Guadeloupe, efforts will be made to protect the Lesser Antillean Iguana and its habitat, while La Réunion will focus on the Manapany green gecko, native to the coastal cliffs of Petite-Île.
Moreover, in Charente-Maritime, contributions will help establish a ‘serpenduc’ to ensure safe passage for green