The LECA project kick-off meeting took place in the scenic region of Moravia, Czech Republic, bringing together all project partners for the first time. The event provided an important opportunity to establish collaboration, introduce partner organisations and build a shared understanding of the project objectives and planned activities focused on nature conservation and multi-level cooperation.
During the meeting, pilot area leaders presented the current status of wolf, lynx and bear populations in the Carpathians, while partners exchanged knowledge, experiences and ideas for implementing the project activities. The discussions supported a common vision for improving large carnivore conservation and strengthening cooperation among organisations from different countries and sectors.
The programme also included a field visit to the Moravian Karst, allowing participants to explore the local landscape and further connect discussions on conservation with practical examples from the field.
Key takeaways: The kick-off meeting established the foundation for effective international cooperation throughout the LECA project. Bringing together partners with diverse expertise created a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, coordinated action and the development of shared solutions to support long-term coexistence between people and large carnivores in the Carpathian region.