Representatives of partner organizations involved in the project “Fostering Coexistence – Mitigation and Education for Sustainable Brown Bear Conservation in the Balkans” gathered on 8 June 2026 in the picturesque city of Shkodër, Albania, to present the results achieved during the project at its final event.
BioNet network participated together
It is important to note that it was precisely in Shkodër, at the end of 2024, during the annual meeting of BIO NET network members, that the joint application for the BOOST call was agreed upon. The DZPPS (Srbija) participated as the lead partner, while CZIP (Montenegro), PPNEA (Albania), and CZZS (Bosnia and Herzegovina) participated as project partners.
Although these organizations have been working on large carnivore-related topics for many years, both within their individual countries and through bilateral cooperation, this project brought together, for the first time, four countries working on the same topic and sharing the same brown bear population. The focus was on promoting the study and protection of the brown bear, as well as on measures that support the coexistence of this species with local communities.
Important data collected
During the project, data were collected for the development of a socioeconomic analysis, the results of which are expected by the end of July 2026. The analysis will show the attitudes and needs of the public regarding coexistence with bears.
In order to promote coexistence and support traditional forms of agriculture and rural life, the project donated and installed dozens of electric fences to protect beehives from bear attacks. Beekeepers were trained in fence maintenance, while young people learned why coexistence with bears is important for a healthy environment.
Promotional campaigns followed the project
All activities were accompanied by promotional and educational campaigns, including social media posts, short videos, posters created for young people, and accompanying promotional materials.
Important foundation for larger joint projects
This cooperation represents an important foundation for larger joint projects in the future. One of them has already started through the LIFE DinPin Bear project, which began in January this year.
This confirms the readiness of partner organizations to work in the long term on the management and conservation of the brown bear, both within individual countries and at the level of the population of this umbrella species.
Representatives of institutions joined the meeting
In addition to representatives of the partner organizations, the meeting in Albania was also attended by representatives of the relevant ministry from Albania, representatives of protected areas, and a representative of the ALDA Network.
The project is part of the BOOST Balkans programme, supported by the French Development Agency (Agence Française de Développement) and implemented by ALDA – the European Association for Local Democracy (ALDA Balkans).