What enables transformative change toward human–bear coexistence?

Using extensive GPS and occurrence data, we will compare habitat selection, human avoidance, and dispersal behaviour across European bear populations along a gradient of ecological, anthropogenic, and management contexts. Additionally, we will focus on the small, long isolated, and autochthonous Apennine and Cantabrian bear populations to map critical conservation areas, assess connectivity, and identify essential ecological corridors and potential high-risk areas (i.e., ecological traps) for bears. These analyses will support the development of ecological networks that promote population expansion and long-term viability. Furthermore, they will help identify spatially explicit conservation priorities at the level of the smallest socio-administrative units, which is instrumental for integrating socio-economic data (Work Package 2) to inform bottom-up governance and foster more effective human–bear coexistence.

We will examine how local stakeholders and residents perceive coexistence, identify key indicators of successful coexistence, and assess attitudes, tolerance and support for bear conservation. The work will also map the social-ecological networks that shape coexistence, including relationships between people, institutions, bears and both physical and institutional infrastructures. Combining these insights with ecological results from WP1, we will develop maps of coexistence potential and work with stakeholders to co-develop practical, context-specific strategies and interventions that can strengthen and transform human–bear coexistence over the long term.

Building on the ecological and social insights from WP1 and WP2, we will explore more effective and integrated governance approaches, combining national regulatory frameworks with meaningful participation of local communities and stakeholders. The project will translate these findings into proposals for improved institutional arrangements and policy recommendations, helping align locally tailored coexistence measures with European conservation and nature restoration objectives.

We want to bring the project’s findings beyond the research community, engaging stakeholders, citizens and wider audiences across Europe. A key activity will be the co-development of an interactive serious game designed to help citizens, students and other audiences explore the complexities and different perspectives involved in human–bear coexistence. We will also foster international knowledge exchange among researchers and stakeholders, culminating in a two-day international symposium in 2029 where experiences and results from Italy, Slovenia and Spain will be shared and discussed.