In a Mongabay article, John Linnell, CoCo Project lead, introduces the CoCo Project’s vision for coexistence. He reflects on the need to shift from top-down conservation policies to a more inclusive, bottom-up approach that listens to local communities and engages with them respectfully and openly.

Across Europe, policies meant to support pastoralists and protect wildlife have developed in a fragmented way, leading to contradictions, inefficiencies, and unresolved conflicts. The CoCo project is mapping this complex policy landscape across 12 European countries. 

On 7 March 2025, the Bern Convention's decision to downgrade the protection status of wolves came into force. This shift follows extensive lobbying by rural groups but remains controversial. It provides an additional tool for managing wildlife but requires careful handling.