In recent months there have been several sightings of a bear in the Roncal ValleyThe UPN called for “the need to find urgent and immediate solutions faced with problems related to the presence of bear in the Roncal valley for breeders, farmers, valley residents and tourists.
The regionalists expressed their “deep concern” and demanded that these solutions “guarantee the protection of the interests of the Roncalese and the Roncalesas, as well as the economic sectors linked to the territory, particularly extensive livestock farming.”
Thus, they stressed in a note that “The damage is not limited to dead sheep by the attacks, but it is also essential to highlight the indirect effects that these situations generate on livestock, such as additional losses due to abortions and stress in sheep, which causes a significant reduction in productionadding new economic burdens for breeders.
“The situation in the Roncal Valley “cannot continue any longer,” warned the regionalists, before “asking the government of Navarre to act responsibly, by prioritizing measures that respond to the reality of the valley and not to European rules on aid.”
To alleviate this problem, the regionalist party has presented a series of proposals, including increasing surveillance in the most affected areas to prevent further attacks and ensure the safety of breeders.
They further ask establish “fair and prompt” compensation which come directly from the Government of Navarre, which are not managed by the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and which take into account not only direct losses of sheep, but also indirect impacts, such as abortions and stress in sheep flocks, as indicated above.
They also advocated directly assume the hiring of shepherds by the government of Navarre “to ease the burden on breeders.” “We consider it inappropriate that the contract falls on breeders, who already suffer enough economic and administrative difficulties,” they said.
The UPN also offers “ensure direct and continuous communication with the breeders monitor bears, so that they are not informed of new incursions by the media, so that they can prevent damage and respond quickly to any attack; have adequate communication coverage in all areas where continuous contact with herders and shepherds is necessary; and ensure good access to pastures to facilitate the daily work of herders in bear areas.
Another proposal is to create a continuous working table in which people themselves participate. breedersthe Roncal Valley Authority and representatives of the Government of Navarre.
“This council must meet periodically to assess the situationmake consensual decisions and ensure that voice of breeders are listened to and taken care of,” explain the regionalists.
Finally, they propose the study of short and long term solutionssuch as the relocation of problem bears or the revision of the reintroduction programs of this species in the area, as well as guaranteeing the maintenance of traditional activities, such as extensive livestock breeding, which are “the economic engine of the Roncal Valley and a key element in preserving the cultural identity and natural environment of the region.”
