The screening, which included a discussion with the audience afterward, gave residents of Los Monegros an insight into the experiences of other areas where the presence or recovery of the Iberian lynx has already become part of rural life.
Produced by Apache Comunicación, "The Guardian’s Return" visits different areas of Andalusia, Castilla-La Mancha, Extremadura, Portugal and Palencia to learn firsthand how farmers, livestock breeders, hunters, tourism entrepreneurs and rural residents live alongside the species. The documentary also features contributions from scientists and specialists examining the lynx’s role in ecosystems and the opportunities linked to its presence.
During the discussion, Farlete Mayor and member of the Monegros por el Lince platform, Héctor Azara, defended the need to address the species’ possible return by drawing on experiences already developed in other areas. "What we want is for Los Monegros to learn firsthand what has happened wherever the lynx has returned, so that we can discuss our area based on information and without prejudice," he said.
AN INITIATIVE BORN IN LOS MONEGROS
The Monegros por el Lince platform emerged in towns such as Farlete, Monegrillo, Perdiguera and Leciñena with the aim of promoting research into the possible recovery of the Iberian lynx in the area, where the species was historically present. The initiative has already gathered more than 3,500 signatures in support of studying this possibility.
"The Guardian’s Return" was created precisely to provide information for the debate and show what has happened in other areas where the species has been recovered. The film was first presented at CaixaForum Zaragoza to more than 200 people and later toured different municipalities in Los Monegros, including Perdiguera and Lanaja.
