A wild Loire?

For the critics of the EPALA development plan, building new dams on the Loire without scientific evidence of their effectiveness was not an option. In 1987, the Loire Vivante network (which would become SOS Loire Vivante) secured backing from WWF and funding for a coordinator, a role taken up by Christine Jean. Scientific arguments were raised against the various EPALA studies, shoring up a groundswell of grassroots support. Various scholars, Bernard Rousseau from the CNRS among them, felt that these structures would limit but not prevent rising floodwaters in cases of high water levels.

Following a visit by Prince Philip, President of WWF, to the Bec d’Allier, the campaign gained traction. By declaring “Vive la Loire sauvage!” on 14 October 1988, the Duke of Edinburgh coined a rallying cry that still resonates to this day. The arguments of the dams’ proponents – to guarantee sufficient amounts of water for industry, agriculture and drinking water, and to support the development of tourism – were drowned out. For ecologists, the river dynamics, which guarantee its biodiversity, should not be obstructed.

Making our gorge rise

In early 1989, activists occupied the Serre de la Fare site. Their protest struck a chord with the public and the group, buoyed by the favourable results of the municipal elections in Puy-en-Velay, secured a suspension of the project and a new study at the request of Brice Lalonde, Junior Minister for the Environment. Beyond the disappearance of the scenic gorges, the eco-warriors were concerned about the countless bird species that nest on the shores and the fish whose life cycle depends on the river. The strong public support, collective campaigning and occupation of the future dam site for more than five years paid off, defeating its plans.

The cancellation of the Public Interest Declaration (DUP) set a process in motion that would see the whole project being abandoned. Officially announced by Michel Barnier, Environment Minister at the time, in January 1994, this new outlook reconciling protection of inhabitants and restoration of ecosystems was bolstered by the emergence of the Plan Loire Grandeur Nature.

The cancellation of the dam projects paved the way to choices regarding floodplains, the strengthening of dykes and the development of tourism infrastructure like the Loire à Vélo cycle path. The Loire Valley’s inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List, in November 2000, was of a piece with this new approach to a territory perceived as a common heritage which must be watched over collectively.