Conflicts on large carnivores vary significantly across the EU, depending for example, on the socio-economic activities in the areas which large carnivores are returning to and the biogeographic and natural conditions. It is clear that a one-size-fits-all approach to large carnivore management across the EU will not work and that management has to be tailored to the local circumstances and engage stakeholders on the local level.
A range of local and regional platforms were established through an EU financed pilot project to address conflicts on large carnivores by considering the local circumstances and engaging stakeholders on the local level. More information on the platform processes can be found on their archived web pages.
Establishing regional platforms
For all platforms, a similar approach is followed by the project team (also available in DE, FR, ES, IT and RO). This involved an intensive series of meetings with local stakeholders, followed by a process to agree concrete actions to be financed by the pilot project.
The project communication strategy described how the EU and regional platforms are linked.
Three regional platforms were established in 2018 and another three in 2019. An overview of their actions and outcomes can be found here. Of these original six platforms, three continue until today.
Additionally, in 2024, six additional platforms joined the EU regional platform grouping. Three local platforms are co-organised with the LIFE WildWolf project in Croatia, Czech Republic and Portugal. In Greece, a national level platform is being established, while in France, the collaboration in the Vercors is being built upon by engaging the network of regional parks nationally. Additionally, the Dinaric-Balkan-Pindos Platform continues with additional support from the regional platforms.
A toolkit establishing regional / local platforms
The EU Platform, the regional platforms and the EUROLARGECARNIVORE project worked together to gather their experiences concerning regional dialogue platforms. This exchange resulted in a toolkit supporting anyone interested in establishing national and regional/local platforms on large carnivores, providing guidance based on lessons learned and good practice: “Toolkit: Supporting establishment of regional/ local platforms on large carnivores”.
- Toolkit and accompanying toolbox
- Short presentation of the toolkit
For support in identifying the right type of facilitation techniques, see also
This short video also explains the links between local/regional and the EU Platform.