The recent online event, hosted by the European Parliament's Biodiversity, Hunting, Countryside Intergroup together with the European Federation for Hunting and Conservation (FACE) and the European Landowners Organization (ELO), shed light on the next steps for wolf conservation and management in Europe.
A wide range of high-level speakers, including members of the European Parliament, the European Commission, wildlife conservation experts and stakeholders, shared opinions and perspectives on the sensitive topic of wolf conservation.
Alberto Arroyo Schnell, Program and Policy Officer at the IUCN European Regional Office, led the discussion expertly, highlighting the importance of interactive dialogue in addressing the complexities of conservation. He stressed the need to promote understanding and cooperation to ensure balanced wolf management in Europe.
MEP Elsi Katainen welcomed the Commission's proposal on amending the Bern Convention, highlighting the importance of regulated and sustainable wolf management to ensure harmonious coexistence between wolves and rural communities.
MEP Juan Ignacio Zoido emphasized the negative impact of wolf attacks on livestock and the need to control wolf populations to protect farmers and their businesses.
Herbert Dorfmann MEP highlighted the importance of adapting legislation to the new reality of wolf populations in Europe, while ensuring legal certainty and sustainable wolf management.
MEP Thomas Waitz reiterated the importance of wolf conservation for biodiversity and called for solutions to be found for peaceful coexistence between wolves and rural communities.
Dr Humberto Delgado Rosa of the European Commission urged Member States to use all available tools to improve coexistence between wolves and people, promoting the involvement of local communities in finding sustainable solutions.
Dr John Linnell highlighted the need to define a new approach to wolf management in Europe, balancing conservation needs with those of rural communities.
Luis Suarez of WWF Spain highlighted the crucial role of wolves in the ecosystem and called for active support for those who coexist with them.
Niall Curley from COPA COGECA highlighted the importance of effective conservation measures that take into account the needs of both nature and agriculture.
The event offered a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities for wolf conservation and management in Europe, highlighting the importance of stakeholder engagement and interdisciplinary dialogue to find sustainable and inclusive solutions.