Fourth meeting of the local stakeholder platform in Slovenia
On April 16, 2025, the fourth meeting of the local stakholder group took place at the DINA Centre for Large Carnivores in Pivka. The gathering brought together key stakeholders from the Municipality of Pivka to continue building cooperation in support of sustainable coexistence with large carnivores.
The first meeting, held a year ago, used a SWOT analysis to identify the strengths, challenges, opportunities, and threats related to the DINA Centre’s role in the community.
The second session, in June 2024, focused on population sizes and management of large carnivores in cultural landscapes, as well as the issue of damage to livestock and compensation procedures. In the meantime, members also met as part of the Ministry of environment and spatiall planning advisory group and visited a best-practice site for livestock protection.
This most recent meeting focused on the LIFE Safe Grazing project. Representative from the Slovenian Forest Service presented the project’s objectives and activities, which aim to develop effective and farmer-friendly livestock protection measures. These measures will be coordinated across sectors and integrated into future Common Agricultural Policy frameworks. Key initiatives that will take place in the Municipality of Pivka include: revising municipal regulations to incorporate effective protection measures, establishing a rental system for protective equipment for farmers and beekeepers, distributing livestock guarding dogs, and installing bear-proof garbage bins.
A dynamic discussion followed, with special attention given to the increasing presence of the golden jackal, a highly adaptable species spreading rapidly across the region. The importance of proper and consistent use of protective measures was emphasized. Participants also addressed the current bear population, wolf management, and recent changes to the wolf’s protection status at the EU level. In March 2025, the Bern Convention—supported by EU Member States—reclassified the wolf from strictly protected to protected, and preparations are now underway to reflect this shift in the EU Habitats Directive.
Representatives from the hunting community proposed the inclusion of additional equipment in the LIFE Safe Grazing rental scheme, which would help meet the technical requirements for special permits related to wolf removals.
The meeting concluded with work in two groups. The first group discussed the impact of nature conservation and large carnivore coexistence projects on the quality of life in the municipality. The second group focused on identifying themes and activities that should be supported by future EU and other funding programs.
Participants expressed appreciation for the well-structured and informative meeting, highlighting the importance of increased involvement of local residents in future events. The session concluded in a friendly atmosphere over refreshments. The next meeting is scheduled for September 2025.
