The Dinaric-Balkan-Pindos Large Carnivore Initiative

Effective communication about large carnivores often centers on livestock damages and conflict mitigation. To foster a more harmonious coexistence, the Bear Friendly label was introduced. The label gives recognition to local individuals and businesses that actively contribute to better coexistence with large carnivores.

Three different categories were defined for bear friendly label: farming, tourism and active promotion. Each category has a different set of criteria which need to be fulfilled to obtain the label. Llabelling committee was formed comprising experts from different fields of expertise (tourism, damage prevention measures and large carnivore conservation). The committee screens each application on an individual basis. The whole application process is designed to be an opportunity for applicants to receive feedback that helps them meet the criteria and includes possible suggestions on upgrading their practice towards better coexistence with large carnivores.

The label can be awarded to farmers who implement effective damage prevention measures to their livestock or beehives, tourism programs that respect responsible guidelines for large carnivore tourism, and local handicrafts that provide accurate information about these species, dispelling myths and misinformation.

The label communicates the unique story of human-bear coexistence heritage in the region and paves the way towards more balanced relationship between men and large carnivores.