Editorial photo #13951823 Environmental Issue

Gironde: Human Chain To Protect The Ciron Valley

People prepare a banner reading 'The Thau pond is threatened by the LGV Montpellier-Perpignan' 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 noted by scientists for its 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 considered unique. The SNCF, the national railway company of France, plans to construct the LNSO high-speed train line between Bordeaux and Toulouse, which would divide the valley into four parts. Opponents of the project express concern about the potential impact on the valley's ecosystem. (Photo by Alain Pitton/NurPhoto)