Traditional Palombus Hunts: Hunters Meet Minister
French Minister Addresses Concerns Over Conventional Palombes Hunting
Table of Contents
PARIS (AP) — France’s Minister for Ecological Transition, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, convened a meeting Wednesday with hunting federations and elected officials to discuss the future of traditional palombes (wood pigeon) hunting in southwestern France.
Southwest Hunting Federations Voice Concerns
Representatives from five regional hunting federations – Gers, Gironde, Landes, Lot-et-Garonne, and Pyrénées-Atlantiques – met with Pannier-Runacher to express their concerns regarding potential restrictions on the traditional hunting practice. In a joint statement, the federations emphasized the cultural and historical significance of palombes hunting in the region.
Heritage and Identity at Stake
The presidents of the five federations, supported by parliamentarians from their respective departments, underscored the importance of palombes hunting to the region’s heritage and identity. They stated that the practice,held each fall,unites thousands of hunters,their families,and both rural and urban residents around a shared regional culture.
The meeting comes in response to a formal notice from the European Commission, which is seeking supporting documentation from the French Department of the Surroundings to ensure compliance with the Bird Directive.
Minister Pledges Support, Cites Legal Expertise
According to the joint statement, Minister pannier-Runacher has pledged to utilize legal and technical expertise provided by the federations to respond to the European Commission’s request.The aim is to resolve the matter before it escalates to the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Federations Advocate for Compliance
As February 12, the five federations, with the backing of their parliamentarians, have been working to protect palombes hunting. With support from the National Federation and the GIFs (Groupements d’Intérêt Faunistique et Sylvicole), they have prepared a legal memorandum arguing that the hunting practice complies with European regulations. A draft of this memorandum has been submitted to the Minister,who has committed to forwarding it to the European Commission after internal review.
Arguments for Continued Hunting
The federations argue that palombière hunts, specifically those employing pantes (nets) in certain departments and pentières (netting systems) in others, meet the requirements of the European directive. They contend that the directive recognizes the legitimacy of hunting wild birds as a lasting use of nature and allows for regional hunts with significant heritage and socio-cultural value,as an exception to traditional rifle hunting.
The federations maintain that the hunting practice ensures judicious exploitation, lacks alternative solutions, guarantees selectivity and strict control, and involves only a small quantity of birds. They also point out that the palombe population has a healthy conservation status, as reflected by the Bern Convention, and is even expanding, sometimes causing crop damage that requires regulatory action during the hunting closure period.
Commitment Welcomed
The hunting federations expressed their recognition for the Minister’s commitment to the issue, noting several joint working sessions and the promise of future discussions. They emphasized the importance of the Minister’s responsiveness and awareness of the urgency of the situation. the federations stated that the outcome of the European Commission’s procedure now depends on the effectiveness and responsiveness of the French government.
The South West cannot accept the disappearance of its hunts, its identity and its culture.
Joint press release from the presidents of the departmental federations of hunters
# French minister Addresses Concerns over Palombes Hunting: yoru Questions Answered
Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening with palombes hunting in france, explained in a clear Q&A format.
## What is teh Issue Surrounding Palombes Hunting in France?
France’s Minister for Ecological Transition, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, recently met with hunting federations to discuss the future of customary palombes (wood pigeon) hunting in southwestern France. The European commission has raised concerns, prompting the meeting and subsequent discussions.
## why is the European Commission Involved?
The european Commission is seeking documentation from the French government to ensure compliance with the Bird Directive. This directive sets rules regarding the hunting of wild birds, and the Commission wants to ensure that French palombes hunting practices align with thes regulations.
## What are the Main Concerns of the Hunting Federations?
five regional hunting federations – Gers,Gironde,Landes,Lot-et-Garonne,and Pyrénées-Atlantiques – have voiced their concerns.They emphasize the cultural and past significance of palombes hunting in the region.They worry that potential restrictions could negatively impact their traditions and way of life.
## why is Palombes Hunting Crucial to the Region?
Palombes hunting is deeply intertwined with the heritage and identity of southwestern France. The practice, which occurs each fall, unites thousands of hunters, their families, and both rural and urban residents, fostering a shared cultural experience.
## What Actions Have the Hunting federations Taken?
The federations, with the support of parliamentarians, are actively working to protect palombes hunting. They have prepared a legal memorandum arguing that their hunting practices comply with European regulations.
## What is the Minister’s Stance on the Issue?
Minister Pannier-Runacher has pledged to use legal and technical expertise, provided by the hunting federations, to respond to the European Commission’s request. The goal is to resolve the matter before it escalates to the Court of Justice of the European Union. The Minister’s commitment is welcomed by the hunting federations.
## What are the Arguments for Continued Palombes hunting?
The hunting federations argue that their practices align with the European directive. They maintain that:
* The hunting ensures judicious exploitation.
* The hunts lack alternative solutions.
* They guarantee selectivity and strict control.
* Only a small quantity of birds are involved.
* The palombe population is healthy, even expanding.
## What Specific Hunting Methods are Used?
Palombière hunts utilize methods like pantes (nets) and pentières (netting systems), depending on the department.
## What’s the Latest on the Legal Memorandum?
A draft of the legal memorandum prepared by the federations has been submitted to the Minister. She has committed to forwarding it to the European Commission after internal review.
## Where Does the Situation Stand Now?
The outcome of the European commission’s procedure now depends on the effectiveness and responsiveness of the French government.The hunting federations, with the support of parliamentarians and the National Federation and the GIFs, are proactively working to preserve their traditions.
## Key Differences Between Palombes Hunting and traditional Rifle Hunting
Here’s a simple comparison of the two hunting methods, as mentioned in the document.
| Aspect | Palombes Hunting | Traditional Rifle Hunting (By contrast) |
|---|---|---|
| Legitimacy Under Directive | Recognized as a lasting use of nature, as an exception | Traditional |
| Primary Focus | Regional hunts with meaningful heritage and socio-cultural value | N/A |