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.
