Strengthening Regional Cooperation for Brown Bear Protection and Human-Wildlife Coexistence in the Western Balkans
In the Western Balkans, the brown bear is a key species for the ecosystem, but at the same time, it causes more and more conflicts with people. Damage to agricultural properties, encounters between bears with livestock farmers and beekeepers, and the insecurity of the population that shares their living space with them create problems in the protection of this species. This project aims to reduce these conflicts through concrete protection measures, education, and improvement of regional cooperation. The main objective of the project is to protect the brown bear (Ursus arctos) and enhance coexistence between this keystone species and human communities in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia.
MAIN GOALS:
- Reduce human-bear conflicts through practical measures and education
- Foster regional collaboration for brown bear conservation
- Promote sustainable rural development and community safety
- Raise awareness and strengthen public involvement in conservation
KEY ACTIVITIES:
- Installation of protective fences on the property of vulnerable livestock farmers and beekeepers to reduce damages and improve coexistence.
- Socioeconomic analysis in Albania and the broader region to better understand the impacts of human-bear conflicts and develop sustainable, data-driven solutions.
- Education and awareness-raising through workshops and public campaigns focused on youth and local communities about the importance of preserving brown bears and their habitats.
PARTNERSHIP:
The project is implemented by PPNEA (Albania) in cooperation with:
CZZS – Center for the Environment (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
CZIP – Center for the Protection and Study of Birds (Montenegro)
DZPPS – Society for the Protection and Study of Birds of Serbia
This initiative is supported under the BOOST Program, implemented by: ALDA – European Association for Local Democracy, with funding from the French Development Agency (AFD), one of the main international donors in the Western Balkans.
Project Timeline: Prill 2025 – Korrik 2026
Countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia
Contact Person: Melitjan Nezaj, Project Manager – [email protected]