Save the date: LECA Final Conference, 16–17 March 2026, Zvolen, Slovakia

The Secretariat of the Carpathian Convention, on behalf of the LECA project consortium, is pleased to announce the LECA Final Conference, taking place on 16–17 March 2026 in Zvolen, Slovakia.

Large carnivores are key components of Carpathian forest ecosystems, yet cross-border data and conservation approaches remain insufficiently harmonised. “LECA project –  supporting the coexistence and conservation of Carpathian LargE CArnivores” addresses this by developing a consistent monitoring approach involving local stakeholders, alongside practical measures for conflict prevention and anti-poaching.

The conference will focus on challenges and opportunities for large carnivore protection in the Carpathians and will present key LECA results, including monitoring harmonisation, human–carnivore conflict prevention, and anti-poaching measures. The programme will include panel discussions on lynx, wolf, and bear conservation, as well as a field trip showcasing practical conservation measures.

Key information:

• Dates: 16–17 March 2026
• Venue: Zvolen, Slovakia
• Working language: English (with interpretation into Slovak, Hungarian, and Polish)

Audience: Members and Observers of the Working Group on Biodiversity and the Large Carnivores Expert Group (and relevant networks)

Further details, including the draft programme and speakers, will be shared in due course. For questions, please contact the Secretariat of the Carpathian Convention.