Improving the coexistence of humans and large carnivores such as bears, wolves, lynxes and jackals, and preserving biodiversity are the priorities of the European project 4PETHABECO, led by the University of Udine (Italy). Ten partners from eight countries of the Adriatic-Ionian region are participating in the project: Albania, Montenegro, Greece, Croatia, Italy, North Macedonia, Serbia and Slovenia. The lead partner of the project is the University of Udine (Italy). The Slovenian coordinator of the project is the Mediterranean Institute for Environmental Studies of the Koper Scientific Research Centre.
The 4PETHABECO project aims to conserve large carnivore populations by testing innovative solutions for their protection and restoration of their habitats, especially through strengthening green infrastructure, such as green bridges or highway underpasses for the safe passage of animals, reducing conflicts during coexistence, and improving connectivity.
EU Policy Relevance
This initiative aligns with the EU’s Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and the Green Deal, emphasizing the importance of reconnecting people with nature and fostering environmental literacy. By addressing human-wildlife coexistence through education and hands-on experiences, this project contributes to the EU’s goal of preserving biodiversity while encouraging sustainable practices at the local level.
Such programs demonstrate the critical role of grassroots efforts in achieving EU-wide environmental objectives and highlight the value of collaboration between local communities, conservationists, and policymakers.
The specific objectives of the 4PETHABECO project are: strengthening cooperation between stakeholders within the Adriatic-Ionian region to promote synergies and coordinate monitoring procedures for large carnivore populations, increasing transparency in obtaining and interpreting population data, improving the situation regarding conflicts related to the coexistence of humans and large carnivore populations by strengthening cooperation in innovative co-management of habitats and populations, creating a knowledge base and interactive platform for the Adriatic-Ionian region for resolving coexistence conflicts, improving the understanding of the cultural, social and environmental diversity of the space.
The long-term effects of the project for the conservation of large carnivores and the improvement of their resilience will be ensured through the co-creation of joint strategies and action plans of the Adriatic-Ionian region for the joint management of large carnivore populations, the protection and enhancement of their terrestrial habitats and their connectivity, which will also enable the implementation of the strategic objectives of the EUSAIR cross-border flagship initiative PET HAB ECO.
Source : Slovenian Hunters Association (Lovska zveza Slovenije)
Source: 4PETHABECO project
https://www.lovska-zveza.si/2025/01/09/projekt-4pethabeco-bo-izboljsal-sobivanje-ljudi-in-zveri/
