4PETHABECO
Strengthening cooperation to address socio-environmental challenges of EUSAIR flagship PET HAB ECO
The 4PETHABECO project aims to test solutions to protect and restore terrestrial habitats and populations of large carnivores (focused on lynx, bear, wolf and jackal). The project also plans to incorporate green infrastructure solutions to enhance ecological connectivity.
The main objectives of the project include:
- Reinforcement of collaboration within the Adriatic-Ionian Region (AIR) to enhance cooperation and standardisation in monitoring large carnivores, improve the clarity of data collection and analysis, and reduce uncertainties regarding the protection of these species and the conservation of their habitats;
- Addressing the growing challenges associated with social conflicts related to large carnivore (LC) and human coexistence, as well as the cultural and environmental effects on the habitats of these species, by enhancing participatory approaches for innovative habitat management;
- Design opportunities at the local community level, establish a network of Living Labs, and create knowledge bases within AIR to address coexistence conflicts, cultural diversity, the restoration of local green infrastructure, and eco-corridors.
The PET HAB ECO flagship overall objective is to improve the resilience of large carnivores’ populations at the transnational level in a territory characterised by human-dominated or fragmented ecosystems in the face of environmental threats and risks also caused by climate change impacts. The activities to be undertaken for implementation of the EUSAIR flagship PET HAB ECO are primarily related to the conservation and restoration of large carnivore populations, transboundary large carnivore management synchronization, public awareness activities to bring these unique species to the public’s attention and restoration of ecosystems in which they play a key role and protect the important habitats, and to enhance their movements.
More concrete actions:
- Strategy and action plan for innovative large carnivore habitat management to improve coexistence
- Cooperation agreement for cooperation across borders on LC management and to continue cooperation after the end of the project
- Demonstration and testing of new LC monitoring techniques
- Demonstrative pilot actions on reducing the impact on domestic animals
- Digital solutions /tools and platforms for exchange of knowledge, and data and foster citizen science projects regarding LC monitoring
- Living labs with digital tools for fostering community-based knowledge and innovation co-creation
PROJECT PARTNERS:
The project partnership involves ten partner institutions from 8 countries, namely the University of Udine (Italy), Mediterranean Institute for Environmental Studies of the Science and Research Centre Koper, the Hunting Association of Slovenia, the University of Belgrade (Serbia), OIKON (Croatia), Arcturos (Greece), Venetian Cluster (Italy), CZIP – Centre for Bird Protection and Research (Montenegro), Igea MAK (North Macedonia) and PPNEA (Albania), as well as seven associated partners.
DURATION:
01.09.2024 – 31.08.2027 (3 years)
FUNDING:
The project’s total budget is € 1.672.774,36
The project is supported by the Interreg IPA ADRION programme under the Interreg Funds (European Regional Development Fund and IPA).
COUNTRIES:
Albania, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia & Greece.
CONTACT PERSON:
Melitjan Nezaj