Main Goals

The Initiative supports actions across the European Union, Switzerland and the Balkans, and is structured around two complementary pillars.

  • Pillar 1 — Developing science-based communication

- Making scientific information accessible to all audiences;

- Raising public awareness of the ecological role of large carnivores and highlighting successful coexistence initiatives already implemented on the ground;

- Supporting communication approaches that help reshape perceptions of coexistence, while taking into account its cultural, emotional and social dimensions.

  • Pillar 2 — Supporting innovative solutions for coexistence

- Supporting pilot projects that test innovative technological or social approaches to promoting coexistence;

- Supporting projects that build on the outcomes of completed European programmes, ensuring their achievements are maintained and further developed;

- Encouraging the replication of proven coexistence models in new geographical and socio-cultural contexts;

- Supporting projects that assess and highlight the socio-economic value of large carnivores and their contribution to ecosystems, notably through the development of ecotourism models, the promotion of ecosystem services and the creation of economic benefits for local communities.


A COALITION FOR LONG-TERM ACTION

Coexistence requires long-term commitment. Philanthropy can play an essential complementary role alongside public funding by supporting grassroots initiatives, fostering collaboration and enabling promising solutions to be scaled up.

The Initiative therefore aims to bring foundations together around a shared ambition, drawing on scientific and technical expertise, the experience of local stakeholders and the exchange of knowledge.

Its ambition: to make Europe and the Balkans testing grounds for coexistence with wildlife, where concrete solutions can be tested, strengthened and shared.

The goal is to build and demonstrate the conditions for lasting coexistence here at home, and then put this experience to work for biodiversity conservation around the world.