Meetings to Establish the Human-Wolf Coexistence Platform in Parnitha National Park, March 29-30 2024
Meetings aimed at informing and engaging the public as part of the creation of the "Human-Wolf Coexistence Platform" are being organized in the Municipality of Acharnes on March 29 and 30 by the Management Body of Parnitha National Park and the Management Body of Schinias-Marathon, Hymettus & Southeastern Attica, in collaboration with the environmental organization Callisto.
The "Human-Wolf Coexistence Platform" will act as a consultation body established under the European LIFE WILD WOLF project. It will include all stakeholders directly or indirectly involved with the presence of wolves in Parnitha. Similar participatory initiatives exist in other parts of Europe, and members of this body will be informed about the project's progress while advising the implementation team on actions and best practices to adopt.
The first meeting will take place on Friday, March 29, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Thrakomakedones Cultural Center (on Aristotelous Square). It will involve interested parties and aim to establish the Platform. Invited participants will discuss best practices for human-wolf coexistence implemented in various parts of Europe, as well as examples of similar consultation bodies operating in Greece and Europe.
The second meeting will take place on Saturday, March 30, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Mountaineering Association of Acharnes Athletic Center (126 Filadelfeias Street). The theme will be: "The Wolf of Parnitha from a Different Perspective: Open Dialogue on Coexistence Between Humans and Wildlife." During this meeting, the local community will be informed about Parnitha National Park, the European project LIFE WILD WOLF, and the Parnitha Coexistence Platform by specialized scientists from Callisto and NECCA. This will be followed by a workshop involving participants, during which challenges and future opportunities will be identified.
The European project "LIFE WILD WOLF" aims to implement actions that facilitate the coexistence of humans and wolves in peri-urban areas across Europe. It seeks to achieve balanced, long-term conservation of wolves in urban and peri-urban areas in eight southern and central European countries (Greece, Germany, Italy, Croatia, Portugal, Sweden, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic). This is achieved by improving the technical and operational capacity of authorities to manage and prevent human-related conflicts. At the same time, it promotes sustainable practices that preserve the wild nature of wolves and enhance people's ability to address potential issues. Participants in the project include universities, local government bodies, protected areas, environmental organizations, and hunting federations.
For the latest updates on activities, follow the official LIFE WILD WOLF Facebook page.
For more information, contact Dr. Giorgos Chatzinakos (Callisto) via email at g.chatzinakos@callisto.gr.
