Duration: April 2023 – March 2026

Lead Partner: Mendel University in Brno

Funding: Interreg Central Europe Programme

Project website: www.interreg-central.eu/projects/leca/

Project description

Large carnivores are key components of forest ecosystems in the Carpathians, hosting one of the most abundant native populations of lynx, wolves and bears in Europe. However, whether populations are stable or growing is unclear as data are not collected in a harmonised way across borders, with no shared regulations and policies on large carnivores conservation (eg. poaching prevention), and no shared understanding and coordination between stakeholders. Clear is, however, that perceived and real conflicts between humans and large carnivores are on the rise. 

The LECA project introduces a consistent and efficient monitoring approach, which involves local stakeholders. LECA wants to to raise awareness, educate, engage and influence target groups such as hunters, foresters, farmers, livestock and beekeepers, police investigators (poaching), ministries, municipalities and the broad public. The project seeks to promote coexistence with local stakeholders; enable viable large carnivores population structures, natural expansion and recolonisation of large carnivores; establish evidence-based and coordinated practices in the Carpathian countries; and contravene misconceptions. It will result in up-to-date population information, coupled with effective conflict prevention measures.

The project aims are:

1. a consistent and efficient monitoring approach involving local stakeholders; 
2. up-to-date population information in cross-border regions; 
3. effective conflict prevention measures to be rolled-out at Carpathian level; and 
4. an improved participative cooperation of key actors at local, regional and transnational level. 

A Thematic Guidance on large carnivores conservation and coexistence in the Carpathians will be created and validated via pilot actions in cross-border pilots [Tatras (SK/PL), East Carpathians (SK/PL/UA), Slovak Karst – North HU Mountains (SK/HU), Beskydy-Kysuce (CZ/SK)] and reference areas (SL/RO), driving pilot area strategies, national recommendations and an IT app for the public. The Guidance will cover novel, unified tools for harmonised Monitoring, Poaching investigation and Conflict prevention.

Project activities

The Joint Conference of the Alpine and Carpathian Conventions on large carnivore management took place from 6-8 March 2024 in Brdo, Slovenia. Organized by the Slovenian Forest Service, with support from Slovenian and Czech ministries, as well as the Alpine and Carpathian Conventions’ Secretariats, the event brought together representatives from 13 countries. The conference provided an opportunity to exchange experiences on managing large carnivores, considering varying population statuses, monitoring methods, and human interactions. Participants discussed regional and national differences, shared best practices, and strengthened cooperation to address conservation and management challenges across Europe. For more information, see the Report from the joint Conference of Alpine and Carpathian Conventions for exchange of practices on management of large carnivores  –  6-8 March 2024 in Brdo, Slovenia.