Member states use very different funding approaches to compensate and/or prevent livestock depredation by large carnivores. The workshop aimed at discussing the use of the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and identifying barriers to uptake these measures.

As a side event to the biannual Pathways Europe 2018 conference, Platform members and practitioners exchanged information on the current use of the EAFRD as well as national and regional funding to prevent livestock depredation. Presentations also addressed the opportunities of the Common Agricultural Policy after 2020. The discussion identified administrative burdens and acceptance of measures as main barriers of Rural Development Programme usage. Usage could be improved through a simplification of the application process and controls; focusing on most efficient instruments to prevent depredation; enabling exchanges of experience between the applicants for funding; as well as by engaging local experts in giving advice. These findings are outlined more fully in the common workshop statement. More information on the workshop aims and outcomes is available on the webpages of the EU Large Carnivore Platform.