On paper, the formula is classic: the screening of a film, followed by a debate with the public and exchanges with participants. The idea is to create an open and constructive moment to discuss the return of the wolf in Hauts-de-France. But what can one expect from this type of event? Let’s try to assess the situation. As often happens with this topic, it’s not just about what will be said, but also about who is at the table and what the starting point is.
A return of the wolf that significantly changes the situation For a long time, the wolf seemed distant from the Hauts-de-France region. It was a topic for the mountains, Alpine breeders, and specialized reports. But today, its presence is mentioned in all five departments of the region.
In the agricultural world, this presence, although diffuse, raises very concrete concerns. It must be said that outside our region, where the wolf has been present for years, the returns are often the same: pressure on herds, changes in work organization, heavy investments in fences and protection dogs, mental fatigue as well. And despite the measures in place, the “cohabitation” advocated by FNE and others remains imperfect for many breeders.
Faced with the distress of breeders, wolf advocates remind us that the canid plays a real ecological role, is part of the natural dynamics of ecosystems, and its return is a sign of an environment in transition. The reality is that these two perspectives are contradictory.
The film and the format of the debate The documentary “Wolf, where are you?” is presented as a “sensitive and immersive” investigation, giving voice to different actors: breeders, naturalists, elected officials. In principle, this is exactly what is expected from a public debate film. But in the upcoming events on May 20 and 21, there is a feeling that the participants have been carefully selected:
– Vincent Gavériaux (Groupe Ornithologique et Naturaliste du Nord) – Hans Westerling (Natagora, wolf specialist) – Emmanuelle Latouche (French Office of Biodiversity)
Are these legitimate, competent, and useful profiles to understand the subject? Certainly! But a question arises quickly: where are the breeders directly facing attacks? Where is the structured agricultural voice, whether union or field? Perhaps in the audience, for those who have attended the screenings and dare to engage with the announced participants.
Unfortunately, saying “we will discuss the wolf” does not automatically mean that all positions are equal in the discussion. Between those who assume that the return of the wolf is an ecological necessity and those who see its impacts as a direct constraint on their activity, the framework is not neutral. In many agricultural territories, the perception is that breeders are asked to adapt to an already active reality, without discussing its relevance.
On the environmental side, the discourse often focuses on finding a compromise to build on without questioning the fundamental principle of the predator’s return.
A topic that also moves at the European level This local debate is part of a broader context. Since 2024-2025, the European Union has started to review its position on the wolf, under pressure from several member states facing an increase in attacks and strong agricultural opposition. The protection status has been relaxed, allowing for more regulatory flexibility in certain cases.
In France as well, there is a trend towards more operational flexibility: defense measures, regulated culling, adaptation of rules according to the territories.
This change does not question the presence of the wolf, but it indicates something important: the issue is no longer just ecological or symbolic. It has become political, economic, and social.
A simple question at heart: who defines the framework of the debate? This type of screening-debate has a real utility: to inform, confront viewpoints, and move away from stereotypes. But there remains a central question, which goes beyond this specific event: is the framework of the debate open enough for contradictory positions to be not just heard, but truly represented? To find out, mark your calendars for May 20 and 21 in Douai and Valenciennes.
