Bears, wolves, lynxes, jackals: The University of Udine leads an European project to improve coexistence between man and protect species

The foreseen actions: strengthen transnational monitoring, strengthen prevention and mitigation of damage, active community and stakehoder participation, experimental coexistence initiatives

Udine, 18 December 2024 – Improve coexistence between humans and large carnivores such as lynxes, wolves, bears and jackals and strengthen their protection to protect the biodiversity of the territories. This is the objective of the European project led by the University of Udine (Italy) with the participation of around ten partners from eight states in the Adriatic-Ionian area: Albania, Croatia, Greece, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia. The activities will take place in the most natural areas - North Eastern Alps, Dinaric Alps, Pindus - and with the presence of large carnivores. A total of over 4000 wolves and bears and more than 200 lynxes live in these areas.

To achieve the expected results, the project will focus on: strengthening monitoring and shared data collection at a transnational level, strengthening strategies and measures to prevent and mitigate the risk of damage by animals, active involvement of local communities and stakeholders - farmers, breeders, hunters - and on experimental initiatives for land management and coexistence between man and wildlife.

The project is coordinated by the research group on wildlife management and conservation of the Udine University's Department of Agri-food, Environmental and Animal Sciences. The three-year initiative (2024-2027) has a value of approximately 1,672,000 euros and is co-financed with over 1,421,000 euros from the European Union (Adrion – Interreg programme).

The project is entitled “Strengthening cooperation to address socio-environmental challenges of Eusair flagship – Pet Hab Eco”. It is supported by the Interreg Ipa Adrion program within the Interreg Funds (European Regional Development Fund and Ipa).

Why. The initiative was created to improve cooperation on nature conservation, with particular attention to the aspects of coexistence between human activities and large carnivores and fauna in general. Furthermore, to improve ecological connectivity, i.e. to act on areas of potential coexistence between humans and wild animals, and allow the movements of fauna, the project aims to strengthen the network of green infrastructures, such as green bridges or underpasses on motorway infrastructures, and the safety of crossing points on irrigation canals.

Benefits. For Greece it is an opportunity to apply innovative strategies in the management and conservation of nature. It will allow to perfect monitoring systems for large carnivores and identify strategies for improving coexistence between wildlife and human activities. It will also lead to enhanced strategies for mitigating and preventing the risk of harm and negative interactions by animals.

The actions. To implement the project three main activities will be pursued. First, collaboration will be strengthened to harmonize monitoring procedures and techniques. Furthermore, it will increase transparency in the acquisition and interpretation of data to improve knowledge on the distribution and ecological role of large carnivores. This is also thanks to a common digital platform and database that will promote their protection and the conservation of their habitats.

Secondly, the adoption of better participatory processes will be promoted to aid the innovative management of the animals' living environment. A necessary action to address the growing challenges associated with the social conflicts that are generated in the areas of coexistence between large carnivores and humans, but also the cultural and environmental impacts.

The third aim is to create opportunities for local communities, such as a network of “Living Labs”. That is, living laboratories in which communities and stakeholders actively participate in research and management activities. A process that will improve widespread knowledge on large carnivores and the restoration of green infrastructures and eco-corridors for fauna, as well as lay the foundations for the definition of shared strategies for coexistence.

The partners. Working on the project together with the lead partner University of Udine are: the University of Belgrade (Serbia), the “Oikon” Institute of Applied Ecology of Croatia; the civil society for the protection and management of wild life and the natural environment “Arcturos” (Greece); the Scientific Research Center of Koper/Koper (Slovenia); The Venetian Cluster (Italy); the Center for Bird Protection and Research of Montenegro (Montenegro); Igea Mak Ltd. (North Macedonia); the Protection and conservation of the natural environment of Albania; the Slovenian Hunters Association.