LECA Final Conference on Large Carnivores
The LECA Final Conference “Coexisting with Large Carnivores” was held on 16–17 March 2026 in Zvolen, Slovakia, bringing together experts, project partners, and stakeholders from across Europe.
The conference presented the key outcomes of the LECA project, including progress in harmonised monitoring systems, conflict prevention measures, and anti-poaching efforts, while also addressing current challenges and opportunities related to the conservation of lynx, wolves, and bears in the Carpathian region.
The Secretariat had the honour to open the conference and actively contribute to the final panel discussion, emphasizing the importance of transnational cooperation, policy coordination, and stakeholder engagement in ensuring the long-term coexistence of humans and large carnivores.
The event also provided a platform to discuss future cooperation and next steps for strengthening conservation efforts and dialogue among key actors involved in biodiversity protection in the Carpathians.
The results of the LECA project will be taken up by the Carpathian Convention, in particular within the ongoing revision of the International Action Plan on the Conservation of Large Carnivores and Ensuring Ecological Connectivity in the Carpathians.
The Secretariat would also like to take this opportunity to thank all project partners, experts, and stakeholders who have contributed to the success of the LECA project. Their dedication and collaborative spirit demonstrate the value of combining science, policy, and local knowledge. Special appreciation is extended to Mendel University, as Lead Partner, and to the Ministry of the Environment of the Czech Republic for their excellent cooperation.
Photo by Tomas Hulik
