Former French President Jacques Chirac waves during the first seminar about autism for the "Foundation Jacques Chirac" at the French Senate in Paris February 25, 2008.[Agencies]

Chirac, 75, has kept a low profile since turning over power to rival Nicolas Sarkozy in May 2007 and wrapping up more than 40 years in French politics.

The Chirac Foundation, based near the presidential palace in central Paris, will use private donations to help improve water supplies in poor countries and fight against deforestation and desertification.

Tackling a subject that Chirac often addressed during his presidency, it will also try to save threatened languages and cultures, particularly in Africa.

Among dignitaries supporting Chirac's foundation are former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan,Nobel laureates Rigoberta Menchu and Rajendra Pachauri and other former world leaders.

Chirac is still facing judicial probes into alleged corruption during his 18-year tenure as Paris mayor, which served as one of his springboards for the presidency in 1995.

Since he lost his presidential immunity, Chirac has been questioned by investigating judges looking into suspected misuse of public money and other alleged wrongdoing, which Chirac has denied.

(China Daily/Agencies)