On 14 June we held our annual EU Platform plenary meeting, which took place in a hybrid format. After two years of not seeing each other, it was a great opportunity to take advantage of the in-person dynamic and platform members benefited from this by reflecting on all that had changed in the previous year and the range of new and reformed policy initiatives. This included an update on the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2030, the CAP Strategic Plans and Rural Development programmes as well as the EU nature restoration law.

The Commission’s proposal to restore damaged ecosystems and bring nature back across Europe does not only present a key to avoiding ecosystem collapse but also brings an impetus and chance for us as platform members to continue our joint mission of coexistence between people and large carnivores. The proposals should not be viewed as a threat to agriculture and other land uses but rather as an ambitious goal that if well-designed, can play out in long-term economic terms too –for food security, climate resilience, health, and well-being. Restoration can be about coexistence of people and nature by bringing back more biodiversity rather than excluding economic activities. It is important however, that when restoration measures are planned economic actors are also brought into the discussions – in much the same way we try to do with the platform.

Large carnivores themselves play an ecological role in a healthy ecosystem too. As platform we should continue to use our shared experience, knowledge and expertise surrounding coexistence to start a positive cycle of restoration by living and producing together within healthy ecosystems.

 Wishing you happy reading and a lovely summer!

Jurgen Tack

Scientific Director of the European Landowners’ Organization (ELO)

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