On 18–19 April, WWF Hungary and WWF Slovakia organised a kick-off meeting in Parádfürdő, Hungary, bringing together key stakeholders involved in large carnivore management and rural livelihoods. Hunters, livestock breeders, foresters and nature conservationists gathered to exchange experiences, discuss challenges and explore approaches to supporting coexistence between people and large carnivores.
A central part of the event was a visit to a local farm, where participants had the opportunity to see practical preventive measures implemented in the field and learn from examples of successful livestock protection. The visit provided valuable insights into how targeted actions can help reduce human–wildlife conflicts while maintaining viable populations of large carnivores.
Key takeaways: The meeting created a platform for constructive dialogue and cooperation among groups with different perspectives and interests. Sharing practical experiences and knowledge on prevention, wildlife management and stakeholder collaboration was recognised as essential for developing effective coexistence strategies and supporting sustainable landscapes where both human activities and large carnivores can prosper.