After several years of intensive cooperation between research institutions, public authorities, protected area managers, NGOs and local stakeholders from across the Carpathian region, the LECA (Large Carnivores’ Conservation towards conflict-free coexistence in the Carpathian region) project has been successfully completed. The project brought together partners from six countries — Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Romania and Slovenia — with the common goal of improving large carnivore conservation, strengthening monitoring approaches and supporting coexistence between people and wolves, bears and lynx.
Throughout its implementation, LECA created a strong foundation for evidence-based large carnivore management by collecting and analysing existing knowledge, harmonising monitoring approaches and testing practical solutions in four cross-border pilot areas: Beskydy–Kysuce (Czech Republic–Slovakia), Tatras (Slovakia–Poland), Eastern Carpathians (Slovakia–Poland), and Slovak Karst–North Hungarian Mountains (Slovakia–Hungary). Two reference areas in Romania and Slovenia further supported knowledge exchange on bear and wolf management.
A major achievement of the project was the development of three transnational Thematic Guidances addressing key challenges in large carnivore conservation: harmonised monitoring, poaching investigation and human–carnivore conflict prevention. These guidances were developed through collaboration with experts, policymakers and stakeholders, and validated through practical implementation in pilot areas. The project applied modern monitoring methods, including camera trapping, telemetry, genetic analyses and participatory data collection, improving the availability and comparability of information on large carnivore populations.
LECA also strengthened cooperation between conservation actors and local communities. More than 300 stakeholders, including hunters, foresters, livestock breeders, protected area representatives, law enforcement authorities, NGOs and local governments, participated in project activities, workshops and consultations. Local stakeholder platforms were established to support long-term dialogue, knowledge exchange and joint solutions for coexistence with large carnivores.
The project addressed some of the most challenging aspects of large carnivore conservation, including human–carnivore conflicts and wildlife crime. Innovative conflict prevention measures were tested together with local communities, while cooperation between law enforcement institutions and wildlife forensic experts contributed to improved approaches for investigating illegal killings of large carnivores.
Beyond field activities, LECA contributed to education, awareness raising and policy development. Project results were transformed into recommendations for national policies in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia and contributed to discussions within the Carpathian and Alpine Conventions. Educational materials and outreach activities helped improve public understanding of large carnivore ecology and promote more balanced, science-based perspectives.
The successful completion of LECA represents an important step towards more coordinated and effective large carnivore conservation in the Carpathians. By combining scientific knowledge, practical experience and stakeholder cooperation, the project has created lasting tools and partnerships that will continue supporting coexistence between people and large carnivores beyond the project lifetime.