Coexisting with bears - Conservation needs Conversation!
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Abstract
Problem definition Across EU member states, large-carnivore management is becoming increasingly challenging as it attempts to prioritize both human safety and the conservation of wildlife populations. Striking this balance is crucial for ensuring a viable coexistence between humans and large carnivores. In the past, much effort has been given to mitigating negative impacts associated with large-carnivore management. This embodied preventive, but most often reactive measures to protect in the first line people's lives and goods and protect large carnivores from becoming killed. These solutions and plans have been established and implemented by (national/regional) authorities, conservation organizations, hunting associations and other diverse stakeholders, without the involvement of those actually affected – predominantly the local citizens/communities, especially including the rural, forest dependent communities, where women and young generation do not have a high share in the decisions of the patriarchal society. Even the general public barely has the possibility to be engaged in decision-making processes related to large carnivore management. The ever-changing head of environmental ministries and leading parties in Eastern European states (unstable political systems) are aggravating the situation/process by positions/policies with regard to conflict solutions that alternate frequently. Aims The general project objective of the project CERV-COEXISTENCE is to engage citizens in deliberations and actions related to brown bear management, in particular in human-wildlife conflict prevention and coexistence by empowering them to participate in decision-making processes and collaborative management, specifically targeting the youth, gender equality, and minority groups. The project specifically aligns with the EU's Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, (as a key component of the European Green Deal) which aims at conserving and restoring species and ecosystems.
- Ursus arctos arctos
- Eurasian brown bear
- Wildlife-based conflicts
- Collaborative decision analysis
- Stakeholder engagement
Mitarbeiter*Innen
Brady Mattsson
Assoc. Prof. Priv.-Doz. Dr. Brady Mattsson
brady.mattsson@boku.ac.at
Tel: +43 1 47654-83213
Project Leader
06.06.2024 - 05.02.2026
Jörg Fabian Knufinke
Jörg Fabian Knufinke MSc.
fabian.knufinke@boku.ac.at
Tel: +43 1 47654-83214
Project Staff
06.06.2024 - 05.02.2026