France is set to launch the ‘Loto de la Biodiversité’ or biodiversity lottery, a scratch card game aimed at raising funds for the preservation and restoration of French wildlife. This innovative initiative offers participants the chance to win up to €30,000 while contributing to environmental conservation. With a portion of the proceeds directed to the Office Français de la Biodiversité (OFB), the biodiversity lottery is poised to have a significant impact.
Biodiversity Lottery Fundraising:
France is introducing a ‘Loto de la Biodiversité’ to support the preservation and restoration of its rich biodiversity.
The biodiversity lottery, available for €3 per card, offers players the opportunity to win up to €30,000 while contributing to a noble cause.
Financial Support for Wildlife Conservation:
Approximately €0.43 from each card sold will be directed to the Office Français de la Biodiversité (OFB) to fund nature conservation projects.
The lottery aligns with the French government’s commitment to biodiversity preservation and restoration.
Launch Date and Distribution:
The biodiversity lottery is set to debut on October 23 and will be available at tobacconists throughout France.
The initiative’s launch date coincides with a growing interest in lottery activities in France.
A Legacy of Success: Heritage Lottery:
The French government looks to replicate the success of the Heritage lottery, which has financed restoration projects for over 745 heritage sites in France since its inception in 2018.
By harnessing the popularity of lottery games, they aim to generate funds to protect the country’s natural heritage.
Revenue Expectations:
The biodiversity lottery aims to produce €6.5 million in revenue shortly after its launch.
With 15 million scratch cards available, the OFB is set to receive a substantial amount to distribute to vital conservation projects.
Grant Recipients and Impact:
Over 60 national and international charities, including organizations like the World Wildlife Foundation and the Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux, have applied for grants.
A committee chaired by State Secretary for Biodiversity, Sarah El Haïry, will decide on grant recipients, with awards ranging from €50,000 to €1 million.
Upward Trend in the Lottery Industry:
France’s lottery industry is experiencing growth, with lottery sales rising by 2% in the first half of 2023 to reach €8.2 billion, according to the Public Gaming Research Institute.
The introduction of the biodiversity lottery contributes to this upward trend while focusing on a vital ecological cause.
The ‘Loto de la Biodiversité’ is a commendable initiative that combines entertainment with a noble cause. By directing a portion of the proceeds to the Office Français de la Biodiversité (OFB), France is taking significant steps towards the conservation and restoration of its wildlife. This innovative approach reflects the government’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage and is expected to emulate the success of the Heritage lottery. As France’s lottery industry continues to grow, the biodiversity lottery stands as a testament to the nation’s dedication to supporting environmental conservation through creative and engaging means.