LIFE DINALP BEAR: Increasing Tolerance Toward Bears through Conflict Mitigation and Population Management
Bear-proof garbage bins prevent bears to access food remains on highways in Croatia.
| Title | LIFE DINALP BEAR: Increasing Tolerance Toward Bears through Conflict Mitigation and Population Management |
|---|---|
| Short description of the practice | Mitigating human-bear conflicts in the Alps and Dinaric Mountains with prevention, monitoring and coexistence measures. |
| Keywords | Brown bear, Conflict prevention, Electric fences, Waste management, Livestock guarding dogs, Coexistence |
| Organisation in charge of the good practice | Slovenia Forest Service (Coordinator of LIFE DINALP BEAR project) |
| Implementation level of the practice | Level: Transnational / Regional
Country: Slovenia, Croatia, Italy, Austria Region: Northern Dinaric Mountains and Southeastern Alps City: Ljubljana (headquarters) |
| Website | http://www.dinalpbear.eu/?utm_source=chatgpt.com |
| Detailed information on the practice | Brown bears often cause conflicts by raiding livestock, crops, beehives, and waste, leading to economic losses and safety concerns. The LIFE DINALP BEAR project (2014–2019) introduced transboundary monitoring, bear-proof bins, electric fences, and guarding dogs, while promoting education and eco-tourism. Stakeholders included Slovenia Forest Service, universities, NGOs, municipalities, farmers, beekeepers, and local communities. |
| Timeframe | 2014–2019 (5 years, with ongoing follow-up activities) |
| Approximate cost | Funded by the EU LIFE instrument and partners; approx. €5.7 million. |
| Results achieved | 100 bear-proof containers installed, electric fences distributed, guarding dogs introduced. Reduced conflicts in hotspots, improved tolerance among communities, supported long-term conservation. |
| Potential for learning or transfer | High transfer potential: methods like bear-proof waste bins and fences can be used across Europe. Success depends on stakeholder involvement, long-term support, and cooperation. Constraints: financial costs, local acceptance, and maintenance needs. |
| Additional material | https://dinalpbear.eu/en/home/ |
| Contact person | Name: Rok Černe Affiliation: Slovenia Forest Service Email: rok.cerne@zgs.si |
