Paris, four other French cities ban use of pesticides: joint statement

Paris and four other French cities on Thursday banned the use of pesticides within their boundaries, as an anti-chemicals movement that began in the countryside gains momentum.

Lille in the north, Nantes in the west, Grenoble in the south-east and the central city of Clermont-Ferrand joined Paris in implementing the ban, citing the need to safeguard biodiversity and public health.