June 3, 2026Read more...

Become a Citizen Scientist with COOP4SAFE

Nature enthusiasts, hikers, residents and visitors now have the opportunity to actively contribute to wildlife monitoring across the COOP4SAFE project area. As part of the project, partners from Romania, Slovakia and Ukraine, together with Sensing Clues, have developed the citizen science component of the Cluey mobile application, making it easier than ever for people to record and share observations of wildlife and signs of animal presence. The application allows users to collect valuable field data that can support wildlife monitoring efforts and improve our understanding of species distribution and movement across the project region. These observations complement the information gathered through professional monitoring activities and contribute to a broader knowledge base that supports coexistence between people and wildlife. No scientific background is required to participate. Anyone with an interest in nature can contribute by observing, recording and submitting information through the app while spending time outdoors.

By involving local communities and nature lovers in data collection, COOP4SAFE aims to strengthen public engagement in conservation and promote a shared responsibility for protecting wildlife and maintaining healthy ecosystems. The Cluey application is available to citizens in all countries participating in the project, offering a simple and practical way to become part of a growing network of citizen scientists. Download Cluey and start contributing to wildlife monitoring today: https://www.sensingclues.org/data-collection https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?hl=en&id=org.sensingclues.cluey.android.prod Every observation matters!

Photo credit: Matei Plesa

May 18, 2026Read more...

Smart Early Warning System Successfully Tested to Help Prevent Human-Brown Bear Conflict – COOP4SAFEs

Local communities in Maramureș, Romania, are one step closer to safer coexistence with wildlife following the real-life testing of an innovative monitoring and early warning system developed within the COOP4SAFE project.

The initiative is coordinated by WWF-Romania in partnership with Sensing Clues and AJVPS Maramureș - a key project partner with a legal role in wildlife intervention activities on the ground.

Technology Tested in Real Conditions for Community Safety

The system combines real-time monitoring cameras, the digital mobile application Cluey, and the intelligent Focus platform, where collected data is automatically processed and analyzed.

Using artificial intelligence, the system can identify the presence of brown bears and rapidly send alerts to intervention teams and authorities before situations become dangerous.

During the testing phase, the system has already shown promising results:

it was initially calibrated using test images of bears;
shortly afterwards, it generated its first real alert after a brown bear was detected by one of the monitoring cameras.

This marks an important milestone in validating the system under real field conditions. The solution is currently being further optimized and will soon be fully integrated into the Cluey application.

So far, five monitoring cameras have been installed in high-risk areas:

four cameras in the Baia Sprie area;
one camera in the Săpânța area.

How the System Works

The early warning system relies on an integrated process that includes:

collecting field data through monitoring cameras, patrols, and community reports;
automatic analysis of images captured by motion-sensor cameras using artificial intelligence to identify bear presence and risk areas;
rapid transmission of alerts to intervention teams and local authorities.

This approach enables preventive action - from warning local residents to mobilizing the intervention teams - helping reduce the risk of incidents before they escalate.

Benefits for Local Communities

By introducing this system, local communities benefit from:

increased safety through early warning alerts;
reduced damage caused by wildlife;
faster and better coordinated interventions;
improved access to relevant information about local risks;
active involvement in monitoring and reporting wildlife-related situations.

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