Who are we ?

AN INITIATIVE FOR COEXISTENCE WITH LARGE CARNIVORES 

Led by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the Initiative for Coexistence with Large Carnivores aims to bring together philanthropic foundations around a major biodiversity conservation challenge: building lasting coexistence between large carnivores and human societies across Europe, Switzerland and the Balkans.

The return and expansion of wolf, bear, lynx and wolverine populations are the result of decades of conservation efforts, in regions often marked by significant rural decline. While this represents an important conservation success, it also brings major economic, social and political challenges for the territories concerned.

Before promoting coexistence with wildlife in other parts of the world, we must first demonstrate that we can build it here at home, close to our own cities and communities. This is a matter of consistency and credibility: we cannot ask others to live alongside wildlife if we are not willing to accept coexistence when it takes place close to where we live. This responsibility calls on us to better account for local realities, foster dialogue among the stakeholders concerned, and support solutions that reconcile biodiversity conservation with human activities.

In response to these challenges, the Initiative seeks to mobilise philanthropic funding to strengthen support for coexistence, encourage collaboration and raise awareness of solutions that work. It also aims to engage a broad public, explain the issues at stake and promote practical responses grounded in science and proven experience.

The Prince Albert II de Monaco Foundation was created in 2006 by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco in order to work for the protection of the environment and the promotion of sustainable development at local and global level. Active all over the world, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation has sought to bring together scientists, political leaders and economic and civil society stakeholders behind a vital objective for our future – protecting the ocean and the land. The Foundation’s long-term action has led to some encouraging victories being won, whether in safeguarding endangered species or improving living conditions in rural communities by implementing new sustainable and ethical solutions.