Thursday, July 9, 2026

4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

Room CM.1.26

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Details

The natural return of the gray wolf across European landscapes embodies both the success of conservation efforts and the complexity of coexistence in human-dominated environments. Few other species evoke such strong emotions or polarize societies to such an extent. As wolves reestablish themselves, societies are confronted with the need to adapt: securing livestock and pets, managing human safety, and redefining cultural relationships with wildlife. “Not in my backyard” has never been closer to people’s doors, as rural and even urban communities face an urgent need for solutions to conflicts unfamiliar to a generation. Current debates reflect this urgency, focusing on lethal management responses, while practitioners and researchers are developing preventive and innovative approaches that reduce conflict and foster coexistence. Despite intensive research, the translation of scientific knowledge into practical solutions remains limited, and pathways toward coexistence often feel distant from people’s life realities and policy frameworks. This symposium addresses these challenges at the science-stakeholder interface and critically reflects on how researchers can enhance the impact of their findings in conflict management and policy formulation. Building on the concept of human-wildlife coexistence, this interactive and multidisciplinary session will explore frontiers in understanding human-wolf interactions, showcase innovative approaches, and present empirical examples of conservation actions that have fostered coexistence. A facilitated roundtable will jointly identify lessons learned and future directions. Through contributed talks and discussion, we will explore key questions: How do wolves adapt to human-dominated landscapes? How do human behavior, perceptions, and land use shape conflict? Which ecological, social, and governance factors foster or hinder coexistence? How can research, communication, and collaboration help mitigate conflict and promote coexistence? The symposium focuses on European human-wolf conflicts but welcomes contributions from all world regions to broaden the dialogue on coexistence between people and wolves.

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Speakers and Presentation Titles

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Organiser