Biodiversity: how FDJ UNITED contributes to preserving ecosystems

Today, this commitment takes several forms, from supporting projects on the ground to the Mission Nature games, as well as initiatives dedicated to preserving and restoring French forests.

At the Marais d’Yves National Nature Reserve, in Charente-Maritime, the effects of climate change are already visible. Rising sea levels, higher temperatures and changes to natural habitats mean that wildlife specialists must adapt their practices to protect the most vulnerable habitats and species.

Cédric Marteau, Director of Nature Conservation at the Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux (LPO), and Thomas Hérault, the reserve’s manager, explain how these changes are affecting the area in practical terms.

One of the measures implemented is the introduction of Camargue horses. Through grazing, they help maintain open habitats that are essential to many bird species, thereby contributing to the balance of this fragile ecosystem.

This example also highlights the importance of dedicated biodiversity funding. As Allain Bougrain-Dubourg, President of the LPO, points out, such funding enables those working on the ground to implement practical solutions and sustain them over the long term.

Pictures © Lisa Yaya

Since 2023, FDJ UNITED has also been working alongside the French Biodiversity Agency (OFB) through Mission Nature.

The principle is simple: to offer dedicated games from which a portion of stakes – corresponding to the levy that would normally go to the French State – is allocated to the OFB to fund biodiversity restoration projects across France, both across mainland France and French overseas territories.

Since its launch, Mission Nature has raised more than €32 million and supported nearly 100 projects.

Restoring ecosystems, preserving endangered species, protecting marine and coastal environments and safeguarding forests: the projects supported reflect the wide range of biodiversity challenges faced by local areas.

In summer 2026, wildfires severely affected forests across France. In response to the scale of the damage, FDJ UNITED joined forces with the French State, the Fondation du patrimoine and the French Biodiversity Agency.

A special LOTO draw dedicated to the Fontainebleau state forest, held on 23 September, raised more than €2 million thanks to the participation of players across the country. The funds raised – corresponding to the share of stakes usually levied by the French State – will support projects led by the French National Forests Office (ONF), of which the Group is also a corporate patron.

This initiative will continue with three exceptional “Mission Nature” LOTO draws, to be held on 19, 21 and 24 October, to support forest areas affected by wildfires, particularly in Gironde, Var, Drôme and Pyrénées-Orientales.

The next edition of Mission Nature, scheduled for spring 2027, will also address the restoration of natural areas affected by wildfires.

Beyond funding projects, FDJ UNITED also aims to raise awareness and improve understanding of biodiversity-related issues.

This commitment is reflected in Mission Nature, as well as in partnerships with leading nature conservation organisations. The Group is notably a “Grand mécène” (major corporate patron) of the French Biodiversity Agency and supports projects dedicated to preserving forest, marine and coastal ecosystems.

In 2026, FDJ UNITED also joined the Act4Nature International initiative, which brings together companies committed to taking concrete and measurable action for nature.

All these initiatives contribute to the same objective: addressing the impacts associated with the Group’s activities, supporting ecosystem restoration and more broadly engaging partners, employees and the general public in protecting biodiversity.