Main Goals

The objective of the Human-Wildlife Initiative in Romandy is to propose innovative and concrete solutions to improve the coexistence between wildlife and human activities, while preserving local biodiversity. This initiative focuses on the rural and mountainous areas of Romandy, a region where interactions between wildlife and human activities (agriculture, recreation, tourism, hunting, forest management) are frequent but sometimes conflictual.

It engages local stakeholders who are ready to implement concrete actions to promote better social acceptance and sustainable management of these interactions.

For example:

• Adapting agricultural practices to better coexist with wildlife
• Promoting compatibility between outdoor sports and wildlife
• Developing communication tools to highlight agro-tourism in relation to wildlife
• Conducting scientific studies and monitoring wildlife populations
• Raising public and school awareness of coexistence issues
• Organizing cultural or recreational events to promote coexistence

The Initiative targets several species present in the region, such as the lynx, wolf, wild boar, deer, chamois, as well as more discreet species like bats, birds of prey, and mustelids.

It operates through an annual call for projects, with the first launched in 2024. This call aims to support local initiatives led by actors well-integrated into the regional fabric, who are capable of positively influencing the coexistence between humans and wildlife.