Editorial photo #13951818 Environmental Issue

Gironde: Human Chain To Protect The Ciron Valley

A placard on cut trees reads 'Yes to the forest' in Bernos-Beaulac, France, on July 4, 2026. More than 1,000 people gather in the village to form a human chain organized by the collectives 'LGV NINA' ('LGV not here nor elsewhere') and 'LGV Non Merci' ('LGV No thanks') to protest against the LNSO high-speed train project in the Ciron valley, Gironde department. The Ciron valley is considered by scientists as a significant site for biodiversity, with its beech forest being a relic of prehistoric times. The ecosystem in this valley has remained unchanged for more than 40,000 years and is unique in the world. The SNCF, the national railway company of France, plans to divide the valley into four parts for the construction of the LNSO high-speed train between Bordeaux and Toulouse. Opponents express concern about the potential impact of three high-speed railways and 17 viaducts across the Ciron valley. (Photo by Alain Pitton/NurPhoto)