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Managing livestock protection and summer pasture farming: The results from a participatory stakeholder process in the Alps
Stauder J, Platzgummer J, Ende L, Favilli F, Kostner B
The reappearance of wolves in Europe has necessitated the implementation of livestock protection measures, causing different conflicts among and for stakeholder groups. This study, conducted between 2022 and 2025 in South Tyrol (IT), aimed to identify the main obstacles to implementing livestock protection measures through a participatory process involving eight stakeholder groups and to develop commonly accepted interventions. This process combined conflict mapping through stakeholder and socio-economic context analysis, followed by a workshop and working group meetings to prioritize and refine interventions. Key findings revealed that socio-economic challenges such as lacking viability of summer pasture grazing and a shortage of personnel are as critical as technical constraints related to livestock protection implementation. Thirteen interventions were enacted, focusing on the formalization of shepherding through training and regulations, stakeholder collaboration, awareness campaigns, and contractual nature conservation as an additional income source. Despite initial skepticism and institutional challenges, the participatory approach allowed consideration of different perspectives, promoted joint problem-solving, social learning, and strengthened the legitimacy of the intervention decisions. The findings highlight the need for sustained political commitment and adaptive policies to ensure the long-term viability of summer pasture farming and livestock protection implementation. Lessons learned are provided to inform replication in other regions.
DOI: 10.1111/csp2.70284
