France and Spain join to save bears

ENVIRONMENTAL groups from France and Spain have joined together to present the first cross-border petition to save the bears of the Pyrenees.

The collectif ours Pyrénées - colectivo oso Pirineos consists of 19 French associations and 10 from Spain.

They are drawing attention to the dwindling number of bears in the mountain range and say the current population of around 20 “is not sufficient to maintain the species.”

The group is demanding “strong, durable action” from both French and Spanish governments to “restore a viable population of bears in the Pyrenees via conservation and restoration plans”.

The petition is available to sign on the group's website.

It will remain online for several months and will eventually be sent to both French and Spanish presidents. The group said that such action was necessary as the bears regularly crossed the borders and “the same political brakes” could be found in both countries.

Photo: Pays de l'Ours – Adet