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.
