"Malicious acts against environmental associations and their members are increasing."

Scientists , researchers and teachers from all disciplines, we wish to show our support for those who campaign, based on scientific arguments, to protect biodiversity and natural ecosystems.

We do not necessarily agree with all their statements or actions. But we consider the acts of vandalism or intimidation they suffer as unacceptable, such as the one perpetrated on the home of Claire Nouvian, founder of the Bloom association, on June 4. This is unfortunately a new example of the malevolence that can be suffered by those who defend the common good and our vital interaction with the non-human. Such acts are increasing against members or premises of environmental protection associations, such as the representations of France Nature Environnement (Tarn-et-Garonne, Hautes-Alpes, Creuse, etc.), the Association for the Protection of Wild Animals, Future Generations or Eaux et rivières de Bretagne.

The position of an association that bases its action on knowledge is not comfortable: it does not simply disseminate scientific results, it must also bring them to the heart of institutions and places of power, even if they are disturbing. This exposes all activist structures to a direct confrontation with powerful lobbies, organizations, and power structures defending the interests of the industrial exploitation of nature.

If these environmental associations are so important for scientists today, it is because many elected officials, whose primary mission is to defend the general interest, unfortunately too often act in the interest of a minority of economic operators who jeopardize the sustainability of natural ecosystems.

These environmental activists play a crucial role in democratic life. They have achieved notable successes, securing bans on practices that destroy biodiversity. For example, it is largely thanks to the work of the Bloom association that deep-sea trawling in Europe has been subject to clear restrictions, while electric trawling has been banned. This is undoubtedly the reason why the association and its president are under such vehement attack today: Bloom's past successes lead industrial fishermen to believe that there could be others in the future. When science is too clear, the bearers of scientific facts are attacked.

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