Applying participatory processes to address conflicts over the conservation of large carnivores: understanding conditions for successful management
Salvatori, Valeria; Balian, Estelle; Blanco, Juan Carlos; Ciucci, Paolo; Demeter, László; Hartel, Tibor; Marsden, Katrina; Redpath, Stephen Mark; von Korff, Yorck; Young, Juliette Claire. 2020 Applying participatory processes to address conflicts over the conservation of large carnivores: understanding conditions for successful management. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 8, 182. 14, pp. 10.3389/fevo.2020.00182
Before downloading, please read NORA policies.Preview |
Text
N528256JA.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution 4.0. Download (3MB) | Preview |
Abstract/Summary
Social conflicts over large carnivores are becoming more frequent following the general recovery of large carnivores in human shaped landscapes in Europe. To manage conflicts over large carnivores a detailed knowledge is necessary on the social, economic, cultural but also interpersonal dimensions of the conflicts. This can be achieved through a participatory engagement of all stakeholders within a procedure tailored to local contexts. We looked at conditions necessary for implementing the above approach in areas of intense large carnivores-human conflict across Europe (bear and wolves), and where traditional management conflict policies do not appear to be successful, as often based on urgent responses to emergency situations. We focussed on four areas in Europe where we interviewed stakeholders to characterize the conflicts and assess the potential for mitigation interventions through participatory processes. We focused on four key aspects related to social conflicts: (a) perception of the current situation and relationship with other stakeholders; (b) availability and accessibility of information and communication; (c) economic, ecological and social impacts; and (d) promotion of coexistence and participatory processes. We show that (lack of) trust between stakeholders and the relevant authorities as well as the lack of genuine communication among stakeholders were the key features that characterized social conflicts related to large carnivores. With specific reference to large carnivores, the lack or inaccessibility of reliable information was reported in all cases by all stakeholders, as well as the need for proactive and inclusive policies developed and implemented by the relevant authorities. A consistent message was that support and engagement from relevant management institutions was pivotal for effective management of conflicts over large carnivores. Our findings highlight the importance for conflict mitigation of a deeper and mutual understanding of issues prior to the implementation of participatory processes.
Item Type: | Publication - Article |
---|---|
Digital Object Identifier (DOI): | 10.3389/fevo.2020.00182 |
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas: | Biodiversity (Science Area 2017-) |
ISSN: | 2296-701X |
Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.: | Open Access paper - full text available via Official URL link |
Additional Keywords: | conflict, wolf, bear, stakeholders, management |
NORA Subject Terms: | Ecology and Environment |
Date made live: | 31 Jul 2020 10:42 +0 (UTC) |
URI: | https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/528256 |
Actions (login required)
View Item |
Document Downloads
Downloads for past 30 days
Downloads per month over past year