Launch of the 4PETHABECO project: A new step toward protecting large carnivores and their habitats

Udine, 19 December 2024 – Improve coexistence between humans and large carnivores such as lynxes, wolves, bears and jackals and protection of the biodiversity of the territories. This is the objective of the European project led by the University of Udine (Italy) with the participation of ten partners from eight countries in the Adriatic-Ionian area: Albania, Croatia, Greece, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia.

The project is entitled “Strengthening cooperation to address socio-environmental challenges of EUSAIR flagship – PET HAB ECO” with acronym 4PETHABECO. It is supported by the INTERREG IPA Adrion program within the INTERREG Funds (European Regional Development Fund and IPA.

The activities will take place in the most natural areas – North Eastern Alps, Dinaric Alps, Pindus – and with the presence of large carnivores. A total of over 4000 wolves and bears and more than 200 lynxes live in these areas. Thanks to the monitoring activities carried out, it is estimated that in Croatia there are around 1000 bears, around 100 lynx and minimally around 160 wolves.

To achieve the expected results, the project will focus on: strengthening monitoring and shared data collection at a transnational level, strengthening strategies and measures to prevent and mitigate the risk of damages by animals, active involvement of local communities and stakeholders – farmers, breeders, hunters – and on experimental initiatives for land management and coexistence between man and wildlife.

OIKON – Institute of Applied Ecology from Zagreb is the Croatian partner in the consortium led by the University of Udine. The value of the three-year project (2024–2027) is approximately 1,672,000 euros, of which more than 1,421,000 euros is co-financed by the European Union (Adrion – Interreg program).

Why 4PETHABECO?

The initiative was created to improve cooperation on nature conservation, with particular attention to the aspects of coexistence between human activities and large carnivores and fauna in general. Furthermore, to improve ecological connectivity, i.e. to act on areas of potential coexistence between humans and wild animals, and allow the movements of fauna, the project aims to strengthen the network of green infrastructures, such as green bridges or underpasses on motorways, and the safety of crossing points on irrigation canals.

The role of Oikon in the project

Oikon with its Laboratory for Monitoring and Research of Large Carnivores and Vertebrate Ecology conducts various activities to determine anthropogenic impacts on the populations of large carnivores, bears, wolves and lynxes. As part of the project, Oikon is responsible for the implementation of work package 3 “Eco-corridors and green infrastructure network”, which will include: Technical report with analyzes and maps of habitat connectivity for large carnivores, Manual for spatial planners when planning and building infrastructures, Analyzes and recommendations associated with threats from hunting, deforestation and habitat fragmentation. It will also work to encourage the involvement of local communities and stakeholders, such as farmers, breeders and hunters, in experimental activities to encourage coexistence and land management. We will also participate in the creation of a plan to encourage dialogue and improve information and awareness.

Benefits

For project region it is an opportunity to apply innovative strategies in the management and conservation of nature. It will allow to perfect monitoring systems for large carnivores and identify strategies for improving coexistence between wildlife and human activities. It will also lead to enhanced strategies for mitigating and preventing the risk of harm and negative interactions by animals.

The actions

To implement the project three main activities will be pursued. First, collaboration will be strengthened to harmonize monitoring procedures and techniques. Furthermore, it will increase transparency in the acquisition and interpretation of data to improve knowledge on the distribution and ecological role of large carnivores. This is also thanks to a common digital platform and database that will promote their protection and the conservation of their habitats.

Secondly, the adoption of better participatory processes will be promoted to aid the innovative management of the animals’ living environment. A necessary action to address the growing challenges associated with the social conflicts that are generated in the areas of coexistence between large carnivores and humans, but also the cultural and environmental impacts.

The third aim is to create opportunities for local communities, such as a network of “Living Labs”. That is, living laboratories in which communities and stakeholders actively participate in research and management activities. A process that will improve widespread knowledge on large carnivores and the restoration of green infrastructures and eco-corridors for fauna, as well as lay the foundations for the definition of shared strategies for coexistence.The partners. Working on the project together with the lead partner University of Udine are: the University of Belgrade (Serbia), the “Oikon” Institute of Applied Ecology of Croatia; the civil society for the protection and management of wild life and the natural environment “Arcturos” (Greece); the Scientific Research Center of Koper/Koper (Slovenia); The Venetian Cluster (Italy); the Center for Bird Protection and Research of Montenegro; Igea Mak Ltd. (North Macedonia); the Protection and conservation of the natural environment of Albania; the Slovenian Hunters Association.

Oikon d.o.o.
Oikon d.o.o.
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