Large Carnivores, Wild Ungulates and Society Working Group - WISO

Chair: Slovenia  

The main objective of the Large Carnivores, Wild Ungulates and Society Working Group (WISO), set up by the X Alpine Conference in 2009, is to find solutions to manage large carnivores and wild ungulates both harmoniously with society and based on an integrated approach. The Working Group goes beyond a strictly ecological approach and endeavours to also consider economic and social aspects in a balanced manner. The tasks of the Working Group are in line with the Nature protection and landscape conservation Protocol of the Alpine Convention and support the efforts of the Contracting Parties to protect wild animal and plant species, their diversity, and their habitats. 

During the current mandate, until the XVIII Alpine Conference, the WISO Working Group will pursue the following objectives:

• Promote the exchange among the Working Group members of information, scientific data, and experiences to support decision-making processes as well as the coordination of management actions for large carnivores. Updates about actions at the EU, international, and national level (publication of studies, political decisions, statements on the large carnivores…) will be part of this exchange.
• Share the available/applied monitoring methods and data for large carnivores, underlying the understanding of the viability of populations per Contracting Parties.
• Compare the use and interpretation of the derogation regimes of the Bern Convention and Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (the Habitats Directive) regarding the management of large carnivores.
•  Present the national schemes for the use of the ERDF for prevention measures (under the current and next CAP) and explore developments.
• Exchange best practice examples on adapting the management of wild ungulates in relation to the presence of large carnivores, involving a broader circle of experts/stakeholders in a symposium.

Contact: 
Rok Černe, Slovenian Forest Service
rok.cerne@zgs.gov.si