Stakeholder engagement in coexistence – An online WORKSHOP to exchange experiences
Coexistence is a dynamic but sustainable state where humans and wildlife adapt to shared spaces. Effective institutions regulate human-wildlife interactions, ensuring the long-term survival of wildlife populations, social acceptance, and manageable risk levels. However, coexistence also requires a bottom-up approach, with individuals adopting best practices to prevent conflicts, such as livestock protection and avoiding behaviors that attract wildlife. Additionally, it is essential to dispel misconceptions and superstitions about animals while promoting accurate knowledge of their biology. In this context, the proactive efforts of individuals, communities, and organizations play a crucial role.
The purpose of this online workshop entitled “Public engagement for human-wildlife coexistence” is to create a space for discussion on stakeholder engagement in coexistence. The workshop draws on experiences developed within the LIFE WolfAlps EU stewardship program, which has established a network of relationships between the project and stakeholders (associations or individual farmers, hunters, environmentalists, as well as hiking guides and artists) who were willing to actively collaborate for coexistence, regardless of whether they fully embraced the project’s vision or not.
The workshop will be an opportunity to exchange experiences developed within European and non-European projects and, most importantly, to reflect on the lessons learned with a view toward future development. This will include an analysis of successes and failures, identifying areas to develop, maintain, or innovate.
PROGRAMME
10 September 2024 from 9:30 to 12:30
Laura Scillitani, MUSE – Greetings and workshop presentation
9.40 Giulia Bombieri, MUSE – Engaging in Coexistence – The LIFE WolfAlps EU Stewardship Programme
10:00 Anna Crimella, Eliante Onlus – Working with shepherds and volunteers: the experience of the Pasturs project
10.20 Mari Lyly, Finnish Wildlife Agency – Stakeholder engagement in the LIFE BOREALWOLF project
10:40 Coffee break & question time
11:00 Simona Colombo, Legambiente Lombardia – Preserving the territory with the Land Stewardship: LIFE Orchids
11:20 Tilen Hvala, Slovenia Forest Service – Involving hunters in Lynx conservation: the LIFE Lynx project stewardship programme
11:40 Daniela D’Amico, Antonio di Nunzio (PNALM) e Angela Tavone (Rewilding Apennines), LIFE Bear-Smart Corridors: synergy between parks and associations for the conservation of the Marsican bear
12:10 – 12:40 Question time & workshop wrap-up
For info & registration to the workshop email us: info@lifewolfalps.eu
