Accelerating Human-Wildlife Coexistence
Supporting people and wildlife to thrive together across European landscapes.
As restoration brings nature back, people and wildlife are sharing space once again. Growing populations of wild species are a positive sign of recovery, but they also bring challenges for local communities. Building coexistence depends not only on managing wildlife but on understanding people’s values, perceptions and relationships with the species around them.
Most conflicts stem from differing views about how people and wildlife should coexist, perceived risks, and the cultural significance attached to different species. To achieve lasting solutions, coexistence approaches need to go beyond deterrents and infrastructure. They must involve communities directly in planning, decision-making and governance.
The wildlife-smart communities model provides one such framework. It takes a participatory approach that engages every part of a community, ensuring that coexistence strategies are tailored to local realities.
What the project did
This project has produced practical tools and case studies to help people and organisations support coexistence in their regions. The resources are designed for municipal staff, NGOs, protected area managers and others working with communities where wildlife is returning.
The project includes a review of the wildlife-smart communities model, bringing together insights from practitioners across Europe. It will share three case studies that illustrate how the approach works in different contexts, supported by guidance and materials translated into multiple European languages. Webinars, workshops and outreach events will help share lessons and promote the use of these tools.
Through this work, the project aims to make coexistence part of everyday restoration practice, helping people and wildlife to live alongside one another in shared landscapes.
Outputs
Living well with wildlife: a practical guide
This guide provides practical tools to help municipalities, local authorities, and restoration practitioners work with their communities to plan and carry out coexistence strategies.
Living well with wildlife: a practical guide
Can Europe produce enough native oysters for restoration?
Building nature-positive economies through partnership in Kakheti and Sakar
New guidance helps local leaders plan for human–wildlife coexistence
