Croatia Hosts Regional Forum to Tackle Challenges in Large Carnivore Management
Zadar and Paklenica National Park, Croatia, 3-4th November 2024 – Earlier this week, in a day that celebrated cultural heritage and conservation strategy, the CIC (International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation) and the Croatian Hunters’ Federation welcomed hunting leaders from 11 Central and Eastern European countries to Paklenica National Park.
The event began on Sunday 3rd of November with a traditional Saint Hubertus Day procession and Mass in Zadar, where hunters carried a red deer trophy through the city’s historic centre. The procession culminated at the Cathedral of St. Stoija, where hunters filled the cathedral for the Mass celebrated by Archbishop Milan Zgrabli. The service was broadcast nationally, underscoring the significance of hunting heritage within Croatian culture.
Following the Mass, participants gathered by the Adriatic Sea, forming a living symbol of a partridge to represent their commitment to conservation before transitioning to the CIC Central and Eastern European Coordination Forum, where large carnivore management took centre stage.
Addressing Regional Carnivore Challenges
The forum brought together leading experts and stakeholders to focus on pressing issues surrounding large carnivores, such as wolves, bears, and lynx, as well as the increasing impact of golden jackal populations on local biodiversity. Discussions included the need for reliable, cost-effective population monitoring methods and strategies to mitigate the socio-economic impact of carnivore attacks on rural communities, especially farmers and hunters.
Recognising the role of accurate data, participants emphasised the need for regional cooperation in establishing effective and sustainable monitoring systems. Concerns were raised over data integrity and its implications for science-based management policies that support both wildlife and human interests.
New Initiatives to Strengthen Conservation Research and Collaboration
The forum served as a launchpad for two significant initiatives aimed at strengthening regional cooperation in wildlife conservation. The Croatian Hunters’ Federation announced the establishment of a bilingual scientific magazine to act as a research platform for Central and Eastern European conservationists. Additionally, a survey on large carnivore populations will be distributed to regional hunting associations, with data analysis led by Professor Ovidiu Ionescu, President of the Romanian Hunting Association. The findings will inform policies affecting conservation and local communities.
A Collaborative Path Forward for Wildlife Management
The CIC Coordination Forum highlighted the need for a balanced approach, including data-driven wildlife management and active engagement with rural communities.
Dr. Imrich Suba, President of the CIC Coordination Forum, emphasised, “Conservation and sustainable management of large carnivores require a united effort. Forums like these, bringing together the people directly impacted, offer a path to responsible policies supporting biodiversity and community well-being.”
The outcomes of the forum represent an important step towards shared solutions for sustainable wildlife management across Central and Eastern Europe.
Contact:
Tristan Breijer FRGS
Senior Communications and Public Affairs Advisor
CIC – International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation
Email: tristan.breijer@cic-wildlife.org
Website: www.cic-wildlife.org
