Cooperation with stakeholders promotes tolerance towards bears

Due to numerous social-economic questions, the conservation of large
carnivores is a demanding process, which is not under the natural sciences
domain only. Likewise, the conservation of brown bear depends largely on human
acceptance. Low tolerance represents one of the major threats to brown bear
conservation.

In efforts to decrease the frequency of damage cases on human property
and other conflicts with large carnivores, establishing clear and respectful
communication with numerous livestock owners, beekeepers, municipalities and
local communities was of key importance. Our collaboration is based on mutual
trust and motivation to search for, test and implement new measures.  

From our side, we contributed with our readiness for constant contact
with the users, regular availability on mobile phone, advice on correct
handling of protection measures and personal visits for help and checks of the
correct use on the field. We believe that high percentage of damage decrease in
case of those users, which we established a collaborative relationship with,
was not a consequence of technological solutions only, but also that of correct
and regular use of equipment, trustful relationship and constant information
exchange. Positive effects of such cooperation are shown on many levels, not
only on much wanted results of property protection. We share mutual efforts in
reaching our common goals and common belief that improving the human-bear
coexistence is possible.