Public engagement for human-wildlife coexistence, take-home messages from the workshop

Yesterday, 10 September 2024, the LWA EU international workshop “Public engagement for human-wildlife coexistence” was held online involving 40 people from different projects, public institutions, associations, NGOs, the general public etc.

The purpose of this online workshop was to create a space for discussion on stakeholder engagement in coexistence: an opportunity to exchange project experiences and to reflect on the lessons learned with a view toward future development. This also included an analysis of successes and failures, identifying puplic involvement strategies to develop, maintain, or innovate.

Together with the LWA EU Stewardship programme Giulia Bombieri, MUSE, other projects on large carnivores presented their experience in the involvement of a diverse range of stakeholders, from breeders to hunters to local communties. Anna Crimella, Eliante Onlus, illustrated the improssive effort made and positive results obtained with the Pasturs project, involving shepherds and volunteers. Mari Lyly, Finnish Wildlife Agency, presented the stakeholder engagement inititives carried out in the LIFE BOREALWOLF project, while Tilen Hvala, Slovenia Forest Service, showed the involvement of hunters in Lynx conservationthrough the LIFE Lynx project stewardship programme.

Antonio di Nunzio, Daniela D’Amico, Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo e Molise, and Angela Tavone, Rewilding Apennines, presented the intense activity within the LIFE Bear-Smart Corridors creating a synergy between parks and associations for the conservation of the Marsican bear throught the Bear Smart Commnity approach.

Not only carnivores! Simona Colombo, Legambiente Lombardia, LIFE Orchids project’s coordinator, presented what is a Land Stewardship for the preservation of the territory.

Besides the extremely interesting initiatives carried out and efforts made by the projects’ coordinators, some relevant conclusions were drawn at the end of the workshop. What emerged from all presentations is the great interest generated by the stewardship initiatives and the enthusiasm with which the different stewards embraced them. However, it also appears as a crucial aspect to build a personal (or anyway close) relationship with stewards and recognise their effort. While for public institutions keeping in close contact with the stewards could involge a great effort in terms of personnel involved and might represent a limit, NGOs have a more direct way of communicating to the public which makes the creation of enduring connetions more feasable.

All speakers agreed that a long-term collaboration between Public institution and NGOs or stewards should be established, beyond to the duration of a single project.   

Did you miss the workshop? Watch the recording below!.