March 19, 2026Read more...

Strengthening capacities to manage human–wildlife conflicts in Maramureș County, Romania – COOP4SAFE

On 3–4 March 2026, WWF-Romania – Maramureș Branch, coordinator of the COOP4SAFE project, together with the Maramureș County Association of Hunters and Sport Fishermen, project partner, organized two workshops dedicated to legal intervention methods applicable in Romania and European Union protocols for managing human–wildlife conflict situations. The training sessions brought together representatives of key institutions and organizations from Maramureș County, including wildlife managers, forest administrators, the Romanian Gendarmerie, local authorities, protected area managers, non-governmental organizations, local experts, veterinarians, and members of local communities. The main objective of the event was to strengthen local capacities for responding to human–wildlife conflict situations, while also promoting interinstitutional cooperation and coordinated intervention mechanisms at the county level.

Practical training for effective and safe interventions The training programme addressed several key topics relevant to the prevention and management of human–wildlife conflicts, including:

wildlife handling and safe intervention techniques;
prevention and management methods for human–wildlife conflicts;
approaches for engaging and informing local communities;
effective communication in risk situations;
strengthening cooperation and trust within intervention teams.

Participants benefited from both theoretical and practical workshops, including a field visit organized in Baia Sprie. During the visit, part of the intervention equipment procured through the project was presented and demonstrated, offering participants the opportunity to observe how these tools can be used in real operational contexts.

Supporting the development of a specialized intervention unit The training sessions were organized as part of Sub-activity 3.1 – “Enhancing the capacity of a specialized intervention unit for prevention of Human Wildlife Conflicts in Romania”, implemented within the COOP4SAFE project. By bringing together relevant stakeholders and providing targeted training, these activities contribute to the development of a more integrated, coordinated, and effective approach to managing human–wildlife interactions, ultimately supporting safer communities and improved coexistence with wildlife in the region.

February 26, 2026Read more...

New Rocky Drops Improve Habitat Conditions for Brown Trout in the White Cheremosh River Basin, Ukraine

Every year, in autumn and winter, brown trout enter their spawning season — a crucial stage in the life cycle of this valuable fish species. Spawning takes place in rivers and streams across Ivano-Frankivsk, Zakarpattia, Lviv, and Chernivtsi regions, where fishing is strictly prohibited during this period to protect aquatic biodiversity. To preserve and restore brown trout populations, the Verkhovynskyi National Nature Park has intensified its conservation measures. This year, within the White Cheremosh River Basin in Ukraine, more than 20 trout-friendly drops have been constructed using tree trunks and natural stone. These special cascades help fish overcome currents, migrate to spawning areas, and successfully reproduce. The works were carried out within the framework of the COOP4SAFE project. These structures have significant ecological value as they: • enrich the water with oxygen and improve hydrodynamic conditions; • create natural shelters for fish; • facilitate migration and natural reproduction of trout; • prevent bank erosion and stabilize the river’s hydrological regime. “Trout drops are an example of active water ecosystem management that combines a nature-based approach with practical benefits for restoring local fish populations,” note the experts from the Verkhovynskyi National Nature Park. The Park’s team is implementing a range of measures to ensure safe spawning conditions: • Construction of trout drops in key areas to support migration and reproduction; • Protection of habitats and migration routes, along with maintenance of natural spawning grounds; • Regular patrolling of water bodies to enforce the ban on fishing and prevent harmful activities; • Increased surveillance during weekends and holidays by park rangers; • Monitoring of brown trout populations on spawning sites; • Awareness campaigns among local residents and tourists to encourage compliance with environmental protection rules and responsible behavior near rivers. This coordinated effort helps safeguard the future of brown trout populations and contributes to the long-term ecological resilience of the Carpathian river systems. Photos: ©Yaroslav Zelenchuk

February 26, 2026Read more...

Providing help to beekeepers and farmers in the Poloniny Mountains via practical prevention measures, Slovakia

During spring and summer 2025, the Aevis COOP4SAFE team has been visiting interested local beekeepers and farmers in the region with the aim to provide practical help which started by assessing their current status of large carnivores prevention measures and discussing opportunities for improvement, including the possibility of installation of protective fencing. Aevis provided them with expert consultations and explained the process of reporting large carnivores-caused damage, while the locals also shared their experience about the past occurrence of wild animals in their vicinity. After summarising the farmers` and beekeepers` requirements and needs and examining the location and size of the apiaries and farms, Aevis’ experts were able to propose the most fitting practical protection measures. The selection was made with regard to the current legislative regulations on effective protection. The first round of visits culminated in the summer when Aevis provided 8 farmers and beekeepers in the region with technical equipment – customized protective electric fences and solar charging systems – as part of the implementation of proven and effective methods of preventing damage to livestock and bee colonies caused by wild animals in the amount of €7,000. The fences help to protect not only the work and property of the farmers and beekeepers, but also the wildlife itself. When installed correctly, unnecessary damage and human-wildlife encounters can be avoided. These prevention measures will help to foster the beneficial human-wildlife coexistence in the Poloniny area and Aevis plans to continue with further visits in the spring of 2026 and provide help through these simple, yet efficient solutions, to several more locals in need of help. The project team also developed an in-depth brochure “When something happens” - a practical guide for farmers and beekeepers who have suffered damage caused by large carnivores. Large carnivores such as bears, wolves, and lynxes are a natural part of the Poloniny Mountains. However, for the people who live and work there, they can sometimes pose a problem by destroying beehives, killing sheep, or damaging fences. In such cases, it is possible to request compensation for damages from the state but farmers and beekeepers often do not know where to start and whom to contact. The handbook was created because information on compensation for damage is often unclear or difficult to access. Aevis wants farmers and beekeepers to be able to quickly orient themselves, respond appropriately, and not be left without support in such situations. It is targeted mainly at the farmers and beekeepers operating in the Poloniny Mountains and adjacent regions but can be used within Slovakia as a whole as the legal requirements are the same. The publication offers: • clear and understandable procedures for reporting damage caused by large carnivores, • an explanation of the legal conditions for obtaining compensation, • an overview of the preventive measures required by the state, • contact details for the relevant authorities and institutions.

February 26, 2026Read more...

Educating students and public about brown bear and human-wildlife coexistence, Slovakia

As part of its educational activities within the COOP4SAFE project, Aevis met with around 100 students of 2 high-schools in Snina located nearby the Poloniny National Park, to talk about one of the most iconic symbols of the Slovak wilderness, the brown bear. On the occasion of the European National Parks Day, Aevis expert team, consisting of its educational expert and large carnivore expert, visited Snina High School to discuss one of the most important topics in nature tourism – human coexistence with large carnivores. As part of the lecture "When it comes to bears – do you know what to do?", they looked together at: • how bears live and their role in the ecosystem, • the correct behavior when encountering a bear in the nature, and • why is it important to replace fear with understanding. Students were particularly interested in videos from camera traps from the ongoing monitoring in the project and from field trips. The lively discussion reminded students that respect and knowledge are the keys to safe coexistence between humans and wildlife - without panic and with understanding. Another in a series of educational lectures entitled “About Bears and People” was held in September at the United Church School of St. Cyril and Methodius in Snina. Aevis´ educational expert gave an insightful presentation on brown bear including history of how the animal has been perceived to the present day, basic information and interesting facts about its life and behaviour, as well as videos from camera traps showing the everyday life of this large carnivore in the wild. A lively discussion on how to prevent and minimize conflicts between humans and bears followed – e.g. students shared what experiences they have with bears, if they have ever seen a bear or any signs of its presence in the Poloniny Mountains. The youngsters were very interested in preventive measures, especially the use of shepherd dogs and information on the use of deterrent bear spray for tourists. Additionally, given the recent developments and often heated debate around the topic of brown bears in Slovakia, Aevis organised two lectures for the public to present facts on bears, their occurrence and behaviour, enabled fruitful discussion on encounters with bears and gave recommendations on how to behave in nature to manage such situations well. As a next step in 2026, Aevis looks forward to the field trips - educational excursions to the wilderness in the Poloniny National Park - for interested students to see and understand prevention activities and habitat for large carnivores. As part of the project, the international team has also been working on developing an educational guide on viable coexistence which is to be finalized and published in 2026.

February 26, 2026Read more...

Building an Early-Warning System for Human – Wildlife Coexistence

As part of Activity 1.3, WWF-Romania and the entire COOP4SAFE team have officially partnered with Sensing Clues, an international organization specialized in wildlife data collection, risk assessment, and early-warning systems. Together, we are developing a modern tool that will help detect and anticipate the presence of large carnivores in vulnerable areas, ultimately supporting faster and better-coordinated responses. The system is built around the Cluey app, a digital platform and app that automatically notifies Intervention Units when real-time camera traps detect bears near residential areas. This enables a rapid response, helping teams prevent dangerous encounters between people and wildlife or any situation where animals could pose a threat to human safety or property. Beyond alerts, the data collected through the system is processed using AI-based algorithms, which analyses movement patterns and generate predictions about where and when potential conflicts or presence might occur. This predictive model is essential for improving the efficiency of field operations, reducing unnecessary costs, and identifying the most suitable prevention measures to keep both communities and wildlife safe. How the early-warning system works in practice To function effectively, the system relies on three main components: 1. Field data input Partners in Romania, Ukraine and Slovakia collect information from: • monitoring cameras already installed in the field, • tracks and signs observed during patrols, • reports from communities or local authorities, incidents involving livestock or property. These observations are uploaded into Cluey, where they become part of a shared data stream. 2. Automated analysis and risk detection Sensing Clues’ platform processes the incoming data to: • detect recurring wildlife activity near settlements, • identify movement patterns of large carnivores, • highlight zones with rapidly increasing risk, • generate early-warning signals based on the behaviour of animals and the frequency of observations. 3. Alerts and communication When early-warning criteria are met, the system can notify: • field teams (WWF-Romania, County Association of Hunters and Anglers Maramures – AJVPS, Verkhovynskyi National Nature Park - NNPV rangers), • local authorities, • intervention units trained to respond in case of escalating risk. This allows teams to act before a conflict takes place - by warning communities, deploying deterrents, or increasing patrols in strategic areas. What we need to do to make the system work The effectiveness of the early-warning system depends on several practical steps that the COOP4SAFE partners are currently implementing: • ensure consistent data collection through patrols, camera traps, and citizen reports; • train local teams (WWF, AJVPS, NNPV, Aevis) to use the Cluey app correctly and systematically. • maintain and expand the network of monitoring cameras, which provide essential, real-time wildlife presence data; • coordinate with local authorities so that alerts can be acted upon quickly; • share information across borders, since wildlife movements do not follow administrative boundaries. Together, these actions will allow the system to become a powerful tool for preventing conflicts, protecting local communities, and supporting a viable coexistence between people and wildlife across the Slovak – Romanian – Ukrainian region. Photos: ©Matei Pleșa / WWF-Romania

Author - Cristina Curelea

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