EU Large Carnivore Platform Seventh Regional Workshop Report Budva, 6 November 2018

Report of the Seventh Regional Workshop of the EU Platform on Coexistence between People and Large Carnivores Budva, 6 November 2018

This report was drafted for the Platform members with the assistance of adelphi consult GmbH and Callisto, as part of the services provided to DG Environment of the European Commission for Service Contract No. 07.0202/2017/768359/SER/ENV.D.3. It does not necessarily reflect the official view of the European Commission.

Visit the Platform at: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/species/carnivores/coexistence_platform.htm

Contents

Introduction 3

Background 3 Aim of the workshop 4 Workshop format 4 Workshop attendance 4

Workshop presentations 5

Introduction and workshop aims 5 Introduction to the ‘EU Platform on Coexistence between People and Large Carnivores’ 5 Overview from the neighbouring countries 8 Need for population level management of large carnivores in the region 11 Examples of transboundary / regional cooperation and initiatives from the region and other EU countries 11 Break out groups discuss the potential for establishing a Dinara-Pindos-Balkan regional large carnivore platform and workshop statement 13

Conclusions and next steps 14

Workshop statement 14 Next steps 15

Annex 1. Agenda 17

Annex 2. Participants list 20

Annex 3. Break out groups results 22

GROUP 1: What are the topics a platform in the Dinara-Pindos-Balkan region needs to address? 23 GROUP 2: Which are the most important challenges that the platform will face?24 GROUP 3: Taking the EU Large Carnivore Platform as a role model: what should a platform in the Dinara-Pindos-Balkan region look like? 27 ALL: Views on establishing a platform 28

Annex 3. Pictures 29

Introduction

The EU Platform on Coexistence between People and Large Carnivores organises regional workshops twice a year in areas where there are ongoing conflicts regarding people and large carnivores. The seventh regional workshop, entitled Coexistence between people and large carnivores: transboundary cooperation and preparing the ground for a platform in the Dinara-Pindos-Balkan region, was organised by the Platform members WWF (represented by WWF Adria) and IUCN-LCIE in partnership with EuroNatur, Parks Dinarides – network of protected areas of Dinarides and the Center for Protection and Research of Birds in Montenegro. The workshop took place between 10:00-16:30, 6 November, the day before the 4th Conference of Parks Dinarides 7-8 November 2018.

Background

In the Dinara-Pindos-Balkan region, the traditional cultural landscapes and large wilderness areas have been preserved on a scale unmatched by many countries of the European Union (EU). Thanks to its specific geographical position on the dividing line between several biogeographic regions and its characteristic ecological, climatic and geomorphologic conditions, the Western Balkans are one of the richest European regions in terms of biodiversity, including three large carnivore (LC) species – brown bear, wolf and lynx. The prospect of EU membership is currently a key political driver in the region. Strong economic growth and progressive integration of the countries in the region into the EU are the goal for many, to bring the stability, security, and prosperity that the people of the region are hoping for. However, this process will only be successful if it preserves and enhances the environmental and social capital rather than sacrificing it. For environmental managers, transposing of EU environmental law will be a challenge including expanding the Natura 2000 network, important for meeting the biodiversity policy goals of the EU. Current status of large carnivore populations The Dinara-Pindos brown bear population is shared by nine countries and the Dinara-Balkan wolf population by ten. According to the current state of knowledge both populations are stable, while the population status of Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) including the critically endangered subspecies Balkan lynx (Lynx lynx balcanicus) is very fragile. LC populations are shared among EU and non-EU member states. Cross-border cooperation has received little attention on the European level despite the threats and uneven legal protection and conservation status, and problems encountered due to conflict with humans. Conservation management challenges The awareness of EU guidelines for population level conservation and management in the Dinara-Pindos-Balkan region is very low as well as the capacity and competences to follow the guidelines. Until now, there is no common platform to agree a joint approach to managing LC in the area. At the same time, threats to their conservation status, e.g. large scale infrastructure projects, are increasing. Some of the counties in the region do not have properly regulated LC conservation and management strategies, including monitoring programs. The legal framework is not aligned with EU and international standards, management plans do not exist or are not implemented. While relevant international conventions (Bern Convention and CITES) have been signed by most of the countries, they are not implemented. For those countries considering EU accession, the state for establishment of Natura 2000 sites and implementing the Habitats Directive are behind schedule.

3 Conflict between different interest groups Cohabitation between people and large carnivores has a long history in the region and people have developed ways to minimise LC damages and so minimise conflict. On the one hand, this tradition should be preserved and maintained, and even used as a showcase for a number of west European countries. On the other hand, inevitable lifestyle changes such as urbanisation, changes in farming practices or tourism lead in some cases to new or increased conflict. It is important to involve a range of stakeholders (such as farmers, hunters, touristic developers, space planners) in the discussions from an early stage to avoid the many mistakes of early conservation management in EU countries.

Aim of the workshop

The workshop had the following aims:  To introduce participants to the concept and work of the EU LC Platform as a potential blueprint for a Dinaric LC platform;  To start a process of establishing / reinforcing transnational communication and networks working on LCs in the Dinarides  To share information on the current national status of the LC species in each country;  To identify threats and needs with regard to the establishment of a population based management of the three LC species in the region;  To assess interest in and if possible establish a common vision for the purpose and tasks of a future Dinaric LC platform;  To set up an initial group of contacts / mailing list of interested parties.

Workshop format

The first half of the workshop focused on short inputs to share information on the following topics:

 Role of the EU Platform;  National status and management of LC;  Existing regional platforms in the EU and existing transboundary cooperation in the Dinaric region.

This was followed by break-out groups which looked at different aspects of what a regional platform could cover. Following the break-out groups, a workshop statement was drafted and the content discussed and agreed in the plenary.

See Annex 1 for the full agenda.

Workshop attendance

The workshop was attended by the Platform members ELO, WWF, FACE, the Finnish Reindeer Herders Association and IUCN-LCIE. From the region, the participants were mainly managing authorities, park authorities, nature conservation NGOs, scientists and fewer hunting representatives. See Annex 2 for a list of participants.

4 Workshop presentations

Introduction and workshop aims

Introduction and workshop aims, Andrea Štefan (the World Wide Fund for Nature – WWF) & Annette Spangenberg (EuroNatur) The workshop aims to address the challenges of managing large carnivores across ten countries where there is currently little existing common dialogue on species management. Transboundary management involving many stakeholders and authorities is urgently needed. On the EU level transboundary management is recognised as necessary (see the guidelines on population management) and this is also recognised by many stakeholders. The aim for the workshop is therefore to bring together those dealing with large carnivores in the region so that they can exchange information and learn from one another about the current state of knowledge in the different countries. Additionally, the workshop aims to introduce the concept of the EU Platform to learn about how this works and it could potentially be of use in the region. It is also a chance to network, in the breaks and more interactive session of the workshop. The main outcome desired is a common vision for the purpose of a regional platform. However, the organisers are very well aware, that establishing a platform in the Dinara-Pindos-Balkan region requires a lot more effort, both on national and international level. Thus, this meeting is a first step, also taken into consideration that not all those needed to establish such a platform are present in this initial scoping meeting.

Introduction to the ‘EU Platform on Coexistence between People and Large Carnivores’

Session chaired by Luis Suarez, WWF Spain Introduction to the EU Platform, Luis Suarez, WWF Spain It’s important to look at the Platform name. “People” comes before “large carnivores”. The Platform is considering people first and the interactions between people which lead to conflict. The EU framework for managing LC includes regulations – the Habitats Directive and means to implement it. These means include the Action Plan for Nature, People and the Economy, guidance and learning support to member states and also the EU Platform and the regional platforms supported by the EU. The work to establish the Platform started in 2012. Because it is a complicated area, a large number of stakeholders were involved: eight different organisations representing stakeholder groups finally signed the agreement in 2014. The farmers’ organisation, COPA-COGECA, however, decided to leave the Platform in 2015. Now sever organisations are involved and their work is supported by the European Commission. The Platform isn’t an advisory group and doesn’t discuss policy. Instead the members exchange information on how to solve conflicts. The Platform agreed joint principals and ways of working together in its initial agreement. Each year, it agrees a work plan including a range of communication activities, meetings and background research, supported by the secretariat.

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Reasons for participating in the Platform The Platform members were asked to each give feedback on why they signed the Platform agreement, what the Platform has delivered and what cannot be expected from such a platform. Anne Ollila (Finnish Reindeer Herders Association) All four species of large carnivore are present in the reindeer herding area in Finland, Sweden and Norway. Around 25,000-30,000 reindeer are lost to predators each year in Finland alone. While reindeer herders can live with a loss of animals, the numbers need to be controlled. The Association joined the Platform because they felt they were poorly understood in central Europe. It found the Platform a good forum for discussion and feel that thanks to the Platform, reindeer herders situation is better understood in the EU and nationally and they also better understand the situation in other regions. You cannot expect the Platform to come to you and solve your problems but you can hope for better understanding of the issues you are facing. Valeria Salvatori (Large Carnivore Initiative for Europe – LCIE) LCIE is a group of experts including natural and social scientists, NGOs and administrations. They were established as a specialised species group under IUCN to exchange information on LC but at some point felt that they were only exchanging information between like-minded colleagues. The Platform is an opportunity to learn directly from other interest groups and also explain and communicate LCIE’s work and positions. It cannot be expected to solve problems directly on the ground but organisations can benefit from the consultation and dialogue. Roderick Enzerink (Federation of Associations for Hunting and Conservation of the EU – FACE) FACE represents hunters in 36 countries inside and outside the EU and deal with many species, not just LC. Hunters generally see LC as part of the natural management but believe in most cases, that management is needed. Trans-boundary management is necessary but difficult to implement in practice. The EU Platform works well to share information across the EU and across stakeholder groups and to improve trust and dialogue. It has fostered constructive dialogue in Brussels and at the regional workshops and more cooperation between stakeholders. The fact that farmers aren’t taking part is a serious gap as they face the greatest problems with LC. Building trust is the most important function of such a platform – it’s mainly about managing human-human relations, not LCs. If a regional platform is established, it is important not to pre-judge what it will do. Participants should start with an open mind. Emmanuelle Mikosz (European Landowners’ Association – ELO) ELO is made up of 64 associations from inside and outside the EU and has existed for 40 years. It represents the private sector including land and forest owners and managers and entrepreneurs in rural areas. It is a challenge to bring organisations with very different positions on LC together even on the Brussels level and will be harder when working also with national governments. There is a need to maintain activity in rural areas. ELO is an important member of the Platform because it focuses on this within the Platform and also tries to make the link with the farming associations and re-involve them. The Platform has been important for discussing a range of solutions: management, compensation, damage

6 schemes and how they are used across Europe within the legal framework provided by the Habitats Directive and the Action Plan. Luis Suarez, WWF Spain WWF works on many activities relating to Natura 2000, the Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive. It was keen to join the Platform to focus on implementation of the Habitats Directive. For a conservation organisation, it is better to have direct contact with other interest groups to try to find solutions together rather than focusing on legal routes for enforcement. Building trust has been one of the most important things the Platform has achieved. You cannot expect magical solutions from a platform. Its focus isn’t on policy or changing the law. The EU Platform has also realised that they can only find out about the conflicts on the ground by visiting the areas through regional workshops and has also moved further towards integrating its work with regionally established platforms.

7 Overview from the neighbouring countries

Session chaired by Andrea Stefan, WWF Adria The aim of this session was to give a brief overview of what is known on LC populations and their management across the region. Each presenter was asked to present the information below in 5 minutes. This was a challenge as the presenters gathered information from a wide range of sources in a collaborative working process. A range of Scientists, NGOs and stakeholders were involved in drawing the presentations together.

Table 1. Summary of presentations. Note that information comes from a variety of years and sources and may not take into account cross-border populations

Country Presenter Status Legal framework Management Monitoring Albania Zamir Dedej Bear: Vulnerable (VU), strictly Priority species for conservation National Action Plan 2007 Increase now: & protected (protected since 1953), ca. in the National Biodiversity Camera trapping Aleksander 180-200 individuals Strategy and Action Plan (1999 Prints Trajçe Wolf: low risk / near threatened & 2015) No action plan Database for rangers to record (LRnt), protected species since 1994, sightings ca. 200-250 ind. Balkan lynx: Critically Endangered (CR), strictly protected (Protected National Action Plan developed since 1969). 5-10 ind. in 2007 Bosnia and Igor Bear: 1000-1200, decreased, IUCN Law on Hunting and Law on No national management plan. Statistical data on numbers Herzegovina Trbojević LC Nature Conservation (separate Regionalised management killed. Wolf: 400-600, decreased, IUCN LC laws for Federation B&H and structure Population estimates Lynx: 80-90, slightly increased, IUCN Srpska) Federation of B&H (exaggerated) LC Bear: Hunting with closed season (varies between Federation and Srpska) Wolf: hunting with closed season (Federation), open hunting (Srpska) Lynx: permanent hunting ban

8 Country Presenter Status Legal framework Management Monitoring Greece Yorgos Bear: 400-500, IUCN EN Bear: Strictly protected under Action plan for bear (to be updated Bear: Recording of biosigns, Mertzanis Wolf: 717-815 (189 packs), Greek law 2019) FWCOY spring survey, damages, IUCN VU HD (Annex IV exc Wolf north 39 questionnaires, camera traps, Balkan lynx: unknown parallel, annex V) telemetry, genetics (vagrants), IUCN CR Bern Convention Wolf: damage, occupancy models, howling, snow-tracking, telemetry, interviews Balkan lynx: questionnaires, testimonies, camera traps

Croatia Antonija Bear: 600-1000 individuals, International: CBD, HD, CITES Management Plans for all three Brown bear: Annual monitoring as Bišćan stable population Hunting Act (initiated in 2004/2005, revised part of hunting season (game Wolf: 126-186 individuals Nature Protection Act between 2008-2010, second revisions species), biannual population (2015), 50 packs estimated Forest Act ongoing) trend, genetic analysis every 8-10 Lynx: 50 individuals Animal Protection Act years (unfavourable) Veterinary Act Wolf: genetic sampling as part of management programme Kosovo Ismail Bear: 80-100 individuals EU Directives implemented by No Management Plans for Large Conducted by Kosovo Institute for Hetemaj Wolf: up to 100 individuals Law No.03/L-233 on Nature mammals Nature Protection & past projects Lynx: up to 6 (2 confirmed) Protection Other institutions in charge: Kosovo Law No. 02/L-53 on hunting Forest Agency, through Directorate of Within the Balkan Lynx Recovery Administrative Instruction Wildlife and Hunting, Kosovo Hunting Program from ERA and FINCH: No.18/2012: Brown bear is Federation. systematic camera trapping protected therefore, while Lynx and wolf are strictly protected. Montenegro Jelena Bear: 400 individuals Wildlife and Hunting Law No management plans Regulation of Methodology for Koprivica Wolf: 700 individuals Nature Protection Law Determination and Monitoring on Lynx: - CITES, CBD, HD, Bern wild species (new genetic Convention, Bonn Convention methods) FYR Vlatko Bear: 160-200 bears Bear and Lynx: strictly protected National Strategy for Nature No monitoring scheme in place; Macedonia Trpeski Wolf: 267 wolves species (Law on Hunting, Law of Conservation with Action Plan (2017- results from distinct projects and Lynx: 20 to 44 individuals Nature Protection) 2027) and for Biodiversity with Action valorisation studies CITES, HD, Bern Convention Plan (2018-2023), All three: genetic 3. Plan for Implementation of Birds research/sampling, and Habitats Directives, 2017 telemetry/GPS, dead animals No management plans Bear: track transects Wolf: track transects; howling surveys; Lynx: camera-trapping.

9 Country Presenter Status Legal framework Management Monitoring Serbia Dusko Bear: 120-140 individuals Law on Protection of Nature Management/Action plans for all three Transboundary monitoring Cirovic (increasing/stable in regions) Law on Game and Hunting (wolf Wolf: 800-900 (stable – = game, bear and lynx = strictly increasing) protected) Lynx: 40-60 (slightly increasing) Slovenia Peter Bear: 533-598 (favourable Bern Convention (brown Action plans for each of the species Monitoring protocols for all three Skoberne conservation status) bear/wolf: reservation, lynx: (brown bear 2003-2005, wolf: 2013- species Wolf: 52 (unfavourable – appendix II) 2017, lynx 2023) Centralized monitoring data on inadequate) HD (annex II, IV) National strategy for each of the mortality, contact and damage Lynx: 15 (unfavourable – bad) CITES species events, damage compensation, Protected under Nature Compensation system using telemetry, organised Protection Law (all three) Intervention group counting, genetic data, howling Education, Awareness and Advice Population modelling, genetic data service Population management Bulgaria Stiliyan Bear: 411 (decreasing) Biological Diversity Act (brown Management plan 2008, national National monitoring scheme 2011 Geraskov bear, wolf) monitoring scheme Wolf: 2640 individuals Hunting and Game No plan Monitoring by hunters (round (increasing) Conservation Act (wolf) observations, mandatory Lynx: no data HD, CITES, Bern Convention monitoring in March)

10 Need for population level management of large carnivores in the region

Need for population level management of large carnivores in the region, Djuro Huber, Veterinary Faculty of Zagreb (VEF), LCIE Cross-border management at the population-level is important for large carnivore species but is very difficult to implement. The Dinaric-Pindos-Balkan bear population crosses 9 countries and the wolf population 10 countries. This is perhaps the most international single large carnivore population and the management of the population is therefore a significant responsibility. Bear populations are variable but thanks to intervention can be considered to be doing reasonably in Europe. Habitat fragmentation through infrastructure and now border controls is a big threat. In the region, data collection is variable but generally compares poorly to the rest of Europe – more collaboration would help to ensure monitoring crosses borders. When looking at LC conservation it is important to distinguish between biological and social carrying capacity for LC in a particular area. If there is a big difference between these, we can expect to experience conflict so a goal should be to increase social carrying capacity. A range of management actions need to be considered which should be coordinated and compatible but do not need to be identical in different countries. These include habitat management and managing infrastructure, livestock protection and working together with hunters.

Examples of transboundary / regional cooperation and initiatives from the region and other EU countries

Session chaired by Valeria Salvatori, IEA, LCIE The aim of this session was to briefly present some examples of transboundary, regional cooperation which could be used as inspiration for a larger-scale regional collaboration. Presenters were asked to present the key activities, the agencies involved and whether stakeholders are engaged in the project activities. Support for the establishment of local stakeholder platforms on coexistence between people and large carnivores, EU, Valeria Salvatori (LCIE) EU-funded project running between 12.17-12.20. The project aims to 1) establish regional platforms; 2) implement concrete actions for each platform and 3) carry out communication actions to promote the platforms. It is important to make the distinction between the impact caused by LC (number of sheep killed, etc.) and conflict which is based around groups of people having opposing principles. Impacts should be minimised but this will not necessarily solve conflicts alone. The current platforms are located in Italy (Grosseto and Trentino); Romania (Harghita County) and Spain (Castilla y León). An intervention framework has been created for the platforms and principles for the engagement of stakeholders and involvement of the team. In all cases, background fact-finding missions have been carried out. The team has found that trust between different groups is the most important issue to address. Information is also important and some stakeholder groups feel that their expertise and experience is not recognised. The stakeholders have so far been willing to engage in a process. Tackling conflict requires an interdisciplinary approach and a team with varying skills.

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Examples of cross-border cooperation through successful projects, Croatia and Slovenia, Slaven Reljic (VEF) Common management of bears is being carried out between Croatia and Slovenia with many actions established under the LIFE DINALP BEAR project. This includes the following actions: a common database to collect genetic data from bear faeces; active prevention and resolution of damages; measures to reduce traffic accidents; habitat monitoring; health status monitoring with gamekeepers taking samples directly from bears; increasing the value of the bear through tourism measures. A second cross-border project which addresses all LC species has been funded through Interreg. Carnivora Dinarica: Cross-border cooperation and ecosystem services in the long-term preservation of large carnivores populations in the northern Dinarides. The project aims to improve the conservation of all LC species in a cross-border Natura 2000 forest area through a range of conservation, demonstration and communication actions. Croatia and Slovenia also collaborate in the LIFELYNX project which aims to reinforce the Dinaric-SE Alpine lynx population with reintroductions from the Carpathians accompanied by a range of habitat management, conflict reduction and communication measures. Brown Bear Protection in the Dinarides, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, Aleksandar Perović, Center for Protection and Research of Birds of Montenegro (CZIP) Collaboration between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro with technical input and advice from Slovenia and Croatia. Working relations are being built up between the different institutions involved in LC management and monitoring. This includes the ministries, hunting associations, forest units, hiking clubs and volunteers. The project aims to establish good monitoring systems and an understanding of the current populations, Bear management plans, Bear Emergency Teams, publicity on bear management actions and a long lasting collaboration for common management between countries. It is challenging engaging all, governance structures are complex, especially in Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, the project has been successful so far in building trust and establishing a basis for collaboration. Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme – a successful transboundary cooperation, Dime Melovski, Macedonian Ecological Society (MES) The programme started in 2006 with the aim for a recovery of a viable Balkan lynx population. It aims to halt decline of the lynx, collect the necessary information for a conservation programme, build professional capacity and create and atmosphere favourable to its conservation through collaborations, public awareness and involvement. Population monitoring has been carried out gathering information from local people, camera trapping and radio telemetry. In 2007 presence was established from information from IR Cameras. In 2015, there were 20-39 mature Balkan lynx. It is considered critically endangered according to the IUCN Red List. One successful action has been the inclusion of the Balkan lynx in Appendix II of the Bern Convention following the proposal of Albania. Action plans have also been agreed in some countries e.g. in Macedonia and Albania but have not been ratified by the governments. The collaborations established under the project will be very important for its future success. Protected Areas for Nature and People: Bear-watching in NP Tara (Serbia) and NP Biogradska Gora (Montenegro), Jelena Marojević (Parks Dinarides) Protected areas (Pas) are expected to have an important role for bringing together social and ecological benefits. The project is complex, bringing together partners from civil society, the park authorities and WWF Adria. It was implemented in two different national parks in Serbia and Montenegro. The project should increase public support to PAs, establish a monitoring system in both parks and establish an action plan for LC including with stakeholder 12 participation. One particular aim is to generate benefits for the local community by encouraging bear watching. To do this, different groups were brought together. Hunters were an important constituent. LIFE EUROLARGECARNIVORES, EU, Luis Suárez (WWF) Challenging, large-scale project, running from 2017-2022, trying to bring experiences together, create a stakeholder network and mobilise and involve stakeholders. The approach is to improve coexistence through communication and cooperation; foster transboundary exchange building on best practices and use a transdisciplinary and inclusive approach to engage stakeholders directly in the project approach. 16 countries are involved and 16 partners, mainly WWF offices. The LC species targeted, depend on the regional challenges. So far, a website has been established, a communication plan and guidelines, stakeholder maps and workshops in hotspot regions. A major conference was held in Goslar. The next major activities will be a conference on livestock protection, publications, a workshop on wildlife crime and trainings for stakeholders.

Break out groups discuss the potential for establishing a Dinara-Pindos-Balkan regional large carnivore platform and workshop statement

Session chaired by Katrina Marsden, adelphi The participants divided into three groups and discussed the following subjects: 1. What are the topics a platform in the Dinara-Pindos-Balkan region needs to address? 2. Which are the most important challenges that the platform will face? 3. Taking the EU Large Carnivore Platform as a role model: what should a platform in the Dinara-Pindos-Balkan region look like? Following the moderated discussions, one participant from each group reported back to the plenary. Participants were then asked to place a point on a scale to show their approval or not of the idea of establishing a regional platform. See Annex 3 for photo documentation and results of the break-out group discussions. A statement was drafted based on the feedback from the break-out groups. This was read in front of the Plenary and participants made suggestions for alterations. The statement (see next chapter) was then approved by the participants. Annette Spangenberg (EuroNatur) closed the workshop

13 Conclusions and next steps

Workshop statement

The Dinara-Pindos-Balkan large carnivore population is shared by 10 countries and each of them holds at least two species of large carnivores. Only the presence of lynx is not confirmed in all countries. Large carnivore populations are very significant on the continental scale. However, threats to their conservation status are increasing such as large scale infrastructure projects. Such changes may also bring people into contact with large carnivores more frequently and lead to an increase in conflicts.

Statistics on large carnivores

> 3000 bears of Dinaric Pindos population, 2nd largest after the Carpathian population

> 3,900 wolves of Dinaric-Balkan population, the largest in Europe

120 -130 Dinaric lynx population, and only around 50 individuals of the Balkan lynx, the smallest and most threatened native Eurasian lynx population

Conservation, monitoring and management of large carnivores varies significantly between the different countries in the region, which includes EU and non-EU member states. There are many smaller-scale collaborations which can be built upon. However, currently, no common platform exists on the regional level to discuss and co-ordinate transboundary management, deal with common threats and bring different interest groups together to prevent conflict from developing. This is regarded as a significant gap for long-term successful population-level management of large carnivores in the region. Following the workshop, the participants agreed that establishing a regional Platform along the lines of the EU Platform is desirable. The following joint vision was agreed: To support information exchange among countries and encourage management practices which promote coexistence and minimise, and where possible find solutions to, conflicts between human interests and the presence of large carnivore species in the Dinaric-Pindos- Balkan region, by exchanging knowledge and by working together in an open-ended, constructive and mutually respectful way. The participants of the workshop suggest that a platform could start from the following principals, whilst acknowledging the current national differences in management approaches: The existing relevant international legal framework, the Habitats Directive, the Bern Convention and the CITES convention should be used as a legal reference for management, as appropriate. The management of large carnivores should be determined by sound scientific evidence integrating natural and social science, using the best available and reliable data. This should involve continued research, development and integration of monitoring methods involving key stakeholders in the data collection. Socio-economic and cultural considerations and concerns shall be recognised. The platform participants should work together to improve coexistence between people and large carnivores, in particular, those people in rural areas living closest to them. The contribution of various economic activities providing incentives for conservation, should be recognised.

14 Solutions to conflicts should be sought through constructive dialogue. If a broad participation/ involvement of all relevant stakeholders is sought on large carnivore management from an early stage, it is more likely to be successful than if policies are imposed from the top down without consultation. All stakeholders and public administrations from the different countries should be involved from the start, determining the platform objectives. Transboundary cooperation is essential where large carnivore populations cross multiple boundaries. A population approach to large carnivore management is necessary to coordinate and target diverse local measures within a larger framework. The participants identified the following objectives as a priority for the first discussions of the platform:  Coordinate and exchange information on management practices, policies and approaches across the region, including national and regional management plans, with the aim of achieving population-level objectives;  Support for international networking and exchange of experience between key stakeholders and authorities;  Capacity-building for management tasks relating to large carnivores;  Increased cross-border collaboration on monitoring such as standardised methods and protocols;  Establishing further cross-border projects to support the above;  Fundraising and finding concrete sources of finance to support activities and concrete actions needed for the future platform. For this to be successful, neutral facilitation and human and financial capacity will be needed to support the establishment of the platform and in setting up guiding principles for future cooperation. In order to realise these objectives, the participants invite and encourage the managing authorities in Albania, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, FYR Macedonia, Greece, Kosovo*1, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia to build on the conclusions reached at this workshop and, following the model of the EU Platform, to consider establishing a regional Platform on large carnivores to take these discussions further.

Workshop participants

6 November 2018

Next steps

It is clear that the majority of those participating in the workshop see the need for such a platform. This workshop however, can only be regarded as a very first step in a long process. There are many issues that need to be discussed further with representatives of other stakeholders and managing authorities. The participants, noted that key stakeholder groups representing rural groups such as farmers and hunters were not fully represented. If a regional platform is established, the groups in society most affected by the presence of large carnivores will need to be involved. The organisers plan to continue discussions with a wider range of interest groups across the region. The results will be shared on the internet so that all have the chance to discuss them

1 * This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence. 15 widely with decision makers and civil society. In order to continue the process of exchange, the organisers would like to establish a mailing group to encourage cooperation and exchange of information between the respective countries. On the EU level, the workshop will also be discussed at the Platform’s next plenary meeting in 2019. The Platform will continue to monitor activities to establish a platform in the Dinaric- Pindos-Balkan region. Where possible, opportunities to exchange information and share experiences will be promoted.

16 Annex 1. Agenda

Table 2 Agenda of the 7th Regional Workshop of the EU Large Carnivore Platform

TIMING AGENDA ITEM* SPEAKERS

9:30-10:00 Arrival of participants, registration, coffee Conference room B2

Andrea Štefan (the World Wide Fund for Nature – WWF) 10:00-10:10 Introduction and workshop aims & Annette Spangenberg (EuroNatur)

Platform members: Luis Suárez (WWF), Emmanuelle Mikosz (European Landowners’ Association – ELO), Roderick Enzerink (Federation Introduction to the ‘EU Platform on Coexistence 10:10-11:00 of Associations for Hunting between People and Large Carnivores’ and Conservation of the EU – FACE), Anne Ollila (Reindeer Herders) & Valeria Salvatori (Large Carnivore Initiative for Europe – LCIE)

Overview from the neighbouring countries: Country representatives & presentations from each country covering legal 11:00-12:15 Andrea Štefan (WWF) framework, population size and monitoring, human-large carnivore conflict and coexistence

12:15-12:45 Coffee / snack

Đuro Huber (Veterinary Need for population level management of large 12:45-13:00 Faculty of Zagreb – VEF, carnivores in the region LCIE)

17 TIMING AGENDA ITEM* SPEAKERS

Examples of transboundary / regional Introduced by Valeria Salvatori cooperation and initiatives from the region and (IEA, LCIE) other EU countries. 1. Valeria Salvatori (IEA, 1. Support for the establishment of local LCIE) stakeholder platforms on coexistence between people and large carnivores, EU 2. Examples of cross-border cooperation 2. Slaven Reljic (VEF) through successful projects, Croatia and Slovenia 13:00-13:45 3. Brown Bear Protection in the Dinarides, 3. Aleksandar Perović (CZIP)

Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro 4. Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme – a 4. Dime Melovski (MES)

successful transboundary cooperation 5. Protected Areas for Nature and People: 5. Jelena Marojević (Parks Bear-watching in NP Tara (Serbia) and NP Dinarides) Biogradska Gora (Montenegro)

6. LIFE EUROLARGECARNIVORES, EU 6. Luis Suárez (WWF)

Interactive session: Break out groups discuss the potential for Introduced by Katrina Marsden establishing a Dinara-Pindos-Balkan regional (EU Large Carnivore Platform large carnivore platform: Secretariat) 1. What are the topics a platform in the Dinara- Facilitated by hosts & EU Pindos-Balkan region needs to address? Large Carnivore Platform 13:45-15:00 2. Which are the most important challenges members and Secretariat that the platform will face? 3. Taking the EU Large Carnivore Platform as a role model: what should a platform in the Dinara-Pindos-Balkan region look like? Presentation of the results of the break-out groups

15:00-16:00 Conference lunch

EU Large Carnivore Platform members: 16:00-16:30 Agreement of joint findings: workshop statement Luis Suárez (WWF), Emmanuelle Mikosz (ELO) & supported by Katrina Marsden

18 TIMING AGENDA ITEM* SPEAKERS

and Katharina Brandt (EU Large Carnivore Platform Secretariat)

Poster session and informal exchange over All participants 16:30-17:30 refreshments

19 Annex 2. Participants list

Table 3 Participants of the 7th regional workshop of the EU Large Carnivore Platform.

NO. NAME ORGANIZATION

Aleksandar Center for Protection and Research of Birds in Montenegro (CZIP) 1 Perović Aleksander Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA) 2 Trajce Aleksandra-Anja Center for Environment Bosnia and Herzegovina (CZZS) 3 Dragomirović Alexandra LIFE-IP 4 NATURA, representing the Hellenic Ministry of Environment 4 Kavvadia and Energy

5 Amarildo Mulic Una National Park

6 Andrea Štefan WWF Adria

7 Andreas Götz Charity Consulting AG

8 Anne Ollila Reindeer Herders

Annette EuroNatur Stiftung 9 Spangenberg

10 Antonija Bišćan Ministry of Agriculture of Croatia

11 Barbara Burčul Ministry of Environment and Energy of Croatia

12 Bardh Sanaja Environmentally Responsible Action (ERA) Group

13 Bledi Hoxha Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA)

14 Cábak Mladen Hunting Association of Montenegro

15 Čeda Ivanović Natural History Museum of Montenegro

16 Dime Melovski Macedonian Ecological Society

17 Djuro Huber University of Zagreb, Veterinary Faculty

18 Dusko Cirovic University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology

19 Elena Tsingarka Balkani Wildlife Society

Emmanuelle European Landowners' Organization 20 Mikosz

21 Genti Kromidha Institute for Nature Conservation in Albania (INCA)

22 Gjorge Ivanov Geonatura ltd

23 Goran Sekulić WWF Adria

20 NO. NAME ORGANIZATION

24 Hanna Nurmi Reindeer Herders

Haris Una National Park 25 Hadžihajdarević

26 Igor Trbojević University of Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Faculty of Science

27 Ismail Hetemaj Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning of Kosovo

28 Jelena Koprivica Nature and Environment Protection Agency of Montenegro

29 Jelena Marojević Parks Dinarides

30 Katharina Brandt EU Large Carnivore Platform Secretariat (adelphi)

31 Katrina Marsden EU Large Carnivore Platform Secretariat (adelphi)

32 Luis Suárez WWF Spain

33 Mareike Brix EuroNatur Stiftung

Marijana National Park Tara 34 Josipović

35 Marina Durovic National parks of Montenegro

36 Miloš Janković Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Montenegro

37 Mitra Marčeta National Park Una

38 Pinija Poljaković WWF Adria

Roderick European Federation for Hunting and Conservation 39 Enzerink

40 Slaven Reljic University of Zagreb, Veterinary Faculty

41 Slobodan Detić Nature Park Diva

42 Stiliyan Geraskov Union of hunters and anglers in Bulgaria (UHAB)

43 Tijana Trbojević Ecological Research Association (EID)

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) / Istituto di Valeria Salvatori 44 Ecologia Applicata (IEA) Vesna WWF Adria 45 Maksimovic

46 Vlatko Trpeski Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning of Macedonia

47 Zamir Dedej National Agency for Protected Areas

48 Yorgos Mertzanis EU Large Carnivore Platform Secretariat (Callisto)

21 Annex 3. Break out groups results

This session aimed to examine the main challenges faced with large carnivore management in the Dinara-Pindos-Balkan region and if and how a regional platform could help to tackle these challenges. Each group was asked to examine a separate problematic. At the same time, as considering the overarching question: Where do you see the strengths and benefits of a Dinara-Pindos-Balkan regional large carnivore platform i.e. what types of issue could such a platform address? Groups were allocated (coloured sticker on name badge) to ensure a mixture of country representatives and experiences in each group. The groups had an hour to discuss. A participant was then asked to report back to the plenary in 5 minutes. The outputs of the group were used to draft the statement on the workshop outcomes which was discussed and agreed with the plenary.

22 GROUP 1: What are the topics a platform in the Dinara-Pindos-Balkan region needs to address?

Moderated by Emmanuelle Mikosz (ELO) and Annette Spangenberg (EuroNatur)

Figure 1 Topics a Platform should address.

23 GROUP 2: Which are the most important challenges that the platform will face?

Moderated by Andrea Štefan (WWF) and Roderick Enzerink (FACE)

Figure 2 Challenges a platform will face.

24

Figure 3 Challenges a platform will face: political and social challenges.

25

Figure 4 Reasons to create a regional platform.

26 GROUP 3: Taking the EU Large Carnivore Platform as a role model: what should a platform in the Dinara-Pindos-Balkan region look like?

Moderated by Luis Suárez and Katharina Brandt

Figure 5 The EU Platform as a model.

27

ALL: Views on establishing a platform

All participants placed dot representing no support (- on the left) to full support (+ on the right)

Figure 6 Do you support the idea of establishing a Dinara-Pindos-Balkan regional large carnivore platform? 28

Annex 3. Pictures

Figure 7 Plenary session of the 7th regional workshop of the EU Large Carnivore Platform.

Figure 8 Participants of the 7th regional workshop of the EU Large Carnivore Platform.

29

Figure 9 Poster session.

Figure 10 Break out group.

30