24 July 2025
Discussion on steps towards integrated and sustainable management
In the premises of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development, the first meeting of the Coordinating Group for Large Carnivores was held, established by the Decision of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo no. 06/258 dated 16.04.2025. The meeting was convened by the Chairman of the Group and served as a starting point for institutional coordination regarding the management of large carnivores such as the brown bear (Ursus arctos), the lynx (Lynx lynx), and the wolf (Canis lupus), species protected with special ecological and legal importance.
This informative and at the same time working meeting marked the foundation for future coordinated actions. The focus of the discussions was on:
The responsibilities and competences of the Coordinating Group, in accordance with current legislation and national and international policies;
Preparation of the Work Plan for the year 2025, with a focus on priority measures and improvement of institutional response mechanisms;
Discussion of emergency measures for dealing with exceptional bear sightings in populated areas, including the analysis of recent cases and the determination of preventive measures and necessary interventions;
Future inter-institutional and inter-sectoral coordination, through the engagement of all stakeholders: municipalities, hunting area managers, civil society, and relevant institutions.
The participants emphasized the importance of establishing a clear operational structure, developing protocols and strategies for incident management, organizing training to build the capacities of management authorities and response teams, as well as the necessity of developing awareness campaigns for the general public. These campaigns aim not only to promote the protection and management of large carnivores, but also to educate citizens on how to behave safely in areas where these animals are encountered, how to avoid conflicts, and how to minimize risks for both people and wildlife.
Also, the need to strengthen international cooperation was emphasized, in accordance with the Global Biodiversity Framework, the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, and international conventions such as the Bern Convention and the EU Habitats Directives.
The Coordinating Group for Large Carnivores, together with the Intervenues Team, aims to be an active platform for preventing conflicts between humans and large carnivores, as well as promoting coexistence and the long-term conservation of these species as natural and national assets.
The next meeting will be held in September, where the annual work plan is expected to be finalized and concrete field action protocols discussed.