Editorial photo #13951828 Environmental Issue
Gironde: Human Chain To Protect The Ciron Valley
A placard reads 'LGV No Thanks' 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' and 'LGV Non Merci' 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. The SNCF, France's national railway company, 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 this unique environment. (Photo by Alain Pitton/NurPhoto)
