The last EU Platform workshop, in early December, co-organised with the Spanish regional platform and local livestock, Asociación Raza Avileña, in Ávila, was just in time to take place, at least partially face to face. Unfortunately, due to national COVID regulations, some speakers, including myself, had to move to an online format. However, most participants made it to the meeting. The platform presented a range of actions agreed between the different interest groups involved in the regional platform discussions. A plea was made to increase support for prevention measures to reduce depredation of cattle. Despite a difficult context (changes to the wolf protection level at the national level have resulted in increased tensions around wolf management), there is still a willingness to keep dialogues open and try to find practical solutions on the ground.

With this workshop, a first project, financed by the EU, supporting regional platforms comes to an end. Below we describe in more detail some of the actions which have been agreed by the first three platforms in Spain, Italy and Romania. The second set of platforms (France, Germany and Sweden) is still at the stage of agreeing the type of actions to be financed. While not a panacea, it appears that at least on a local level, the platform model has the potential to improve relationships and helps to support joint projects. But implementing actions remains challenging unless local, regional and national decision makers, together with other stakeholders involved, are supportive.

Working together with respect to each other’s sometimes opposite views proves to be the west way forward in realising co-existence with large carnivores. In this spirit, I wish you all the very best for the festive period and a relaxing lead up to 2022.

Jurgen Tack

Scientific Director of the European Landowners’ Organization (ELO)

Co-chair of the EU Platform on Coexistence between People and Large Carnivores