Editorial photo #13951819 Environmental Issue

Gironde: Human Chain To Protect The Ciron Valley

A boy holds a placard reading '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, located in the Gironde department. The Ciron valley is considered by scientists as a significant site for biodiversity, featuring a beech forest that is 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 of the project express concerns about the potential impact on this unique environment. (Photo by Alain Pitton/NurPhoto)