Commentary: Coexistence with Europe’s carnivores is possible
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The return of large carnivores such as wolves, bears, lynx, and wolverines to European landscapes is a remarkable conservation success. However, it has also reignited challenges, such as livestock depredation and safety concerns, which can have serious consequences for rural communities and raise important questions about how humans and wildlife can share space.
In a commentary, 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.
“Coexistence is more of a process than a solution,” Linnell writes, emphasising the importance of integrating diverse perspectives to design sustainable coexistence models.
The CoCo Project, involving 18 partner institutions across 12 European countries, arrives at a critical time as policy frameworks evolve, including the downgrading of the wolf’s protection status under the Bern Convention. The project will provide valuable knowledge to guide this transition, ensuring that coexistence becomes a shared and actionable goal.