In Valais, a petition opposes the tourist cave built into the Rhône Glacier

Environmental organizations have submitted a petition with over 8,000 signatures to the Valais cantonal government, demanding the dismantling of a tourist cave carved into the Rhône Glacier. The petition, titled 'Free and Protect the Rhône Glacier,' symbolically marks a strong opposition to the current state of the natural site.

Groups including Pro Natura Valais, WWF Valais, Mountain Wilderness, and others argue that the glacier's condition has been severely degraded. They specifically cite the necessity of covering parts of the glacier with tarpaulins due to climate change, and the subsequent pollution of the glacial lake with these materials. The petition calls for the urgent cleanup of the site, including the removal of scattered construction materials and tarpaulins that have ended up in the glacial lake.

Beyond the immediate cleanup, the petition advocates for an end to paid entry to the glacier, calling for free access to the site. More broadly, it urges the implementation of a responsible and scientifically grounded policy to address the ongoing retreat of glaciers. The organizations describe the current situation as a 'tragedy' and implore the cantonal government to cease this practice.

The petition is set to be formally presented to the head of the Department of Mobility, Territory, and Environment, Franz Ruppen. The action highlights growing concerns over the impact of tourism on fragile natural environments, particularly in the context of accelerating climate change and its visible effects on glaciers.