Regional unity strengthened for large carnivore conservation  

Parks Dinarides- network of protected areas of Dinarides participated in the annual conference of the Dinaric-Balkan-Pindos Large Carnivore Platform (#DiBaPi), held from 19–22 May 2025 in Ioannina, Greece. The event brought together experts and representatives from governmental institutions and the civil sector from across the region. The conference was co-organized by the General Directorate of Forests under the Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy.

Representatives of authorities and stakeholders from the 10 Parties of the DiBaPi Platform gathered to discuss common challenges in managing bear, wolf, and lynx populations across the region. The discussions focused on practical cooperation and the exploration of long-term strategies to ensure coexistence between people and large carnivores.

The meeting also included a field visit to North Pindos National Park, organized by the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency of Greece (NECCA), in cooperation with the NGO Callisto. During the visit, participants had the opportunity to observe the work of Bear Intervention Teams and learn about livestock protection measures implemented within the LIFE ARCPROM project.

Additionally, the Food and Agriculture Organisation and the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC) organised a practical training event based on the IUCN Guidelines on Human Wildlife Conflict and Coexistence. These hands-on experiences provided valuable insights into effective strategies for mitigating human-wildlife conflicts and protecting both people and wildlife. 

The Ioannina meeting is part of a broader effort to create a sustainable framework for managing large carnivore populations in the region. By linking stakeholders and governments, the #DiBaPi platform aims to build trust and encourage open exchange on critical issues, discussing potential solutions and ensuring a balanced approach to wildlife conservation and peoples’ needs.

For more information about the Dinaric-Balkan-Pindos Large Carnivore Initiative, visit: dinaric-carnivores.org.