Rethinking Human-Carnivore Coexistence
SESCARNIVORE develops innovative approaches to address the complexities of human-large carnivore interactions in shared landscapes. By integrating ecological knowledge with social insights, we're creating sustainable solutions that benefit both wildlife and communities across Romania and Europe.
Learn MoreA Social-Ecological Approach
Traditional conservation models often focus on either biological or social aspects separately. SESCARNIVORE bridges this gap by developing a comprehensive social-ecological niche theory that recognizes how ecological conditions and human dynamics together shape coexistence outcomes.
Our ApproachFrom Global Insights to Local Solutions
Our research spans multiple scales—from global literature reviews to participatory workshops with Romanian communities, culminating in practical solutions for specific landscapes. This multi-level approach ensures both scientific rigor and real-world applicability.
Research ObjectivesCreating Actionable Change
SESCARNIVORE culminates in the development of an innovative Urban Development Plan for the Eastern Carpathians that harmonizes human needs with carnivore conservation. By integrating scientific findings with stakeholder input, we're creating practical frameworks for sustainable coexistence.
Get InvolvedThe Challenge of Coexistence
As large carnivore populations recover across Europe, they increasingly encounter human-dominated landscapes, creating both opportunities and challenges. While conservation efforts have successfully protected species like bears, wolves, and lynx, their return to shared spaces raises questions about how to manage the resulting tensions.
SESCARNIVORE addresses this evolving dynamic by developing a novel theory that combines ecological understanding with human dimensions—recognizing that successful coexistence depends not just on habitat and species behavior, but also on governance systems, cultural values, and local knowledge.
Our work recognizes Romania's unique position as one of Europe's last "biocultural refuges," where traditionally managed landscapes have maintained both natural values and human livelihoods for centuries. By studying these systems, we aim to develop insights relevant not only to Romania but to coexistence challenges worldwide.
Innovative Strategies for Human-Large Carnivore Harmony
SESCARNIVORE develops comprehensive approaches to foster coexistence between human communities and large carnivores. Our interdisciplinary framework integrates research, engagement, and practical implementation to create solutions that work for both wildlife and people.
Transdisciplinary Research Approach
SESCARNIVORE brings together ecologists, sociologists, planners, and community stakeholders to develop a comprehensive understanding of human-carnivore dynamics. By integrating natural science with social perspectives, we create more robust and contextually relevant solutions.
Evidence-Based Systems Mapping
We utilize advanced methodologies like participatory systems mapping to identify the complex interactions between human activities, landscape features, and carnivore behavior. This approach reveals interconnections that might be missed by conventional single-discipline studies.
Community Knowledge Integration
Local communities possess generations of knowledge about living alongside wildlife. Our participatory workshops across diverse Romanian landscapes capture this wisdom and integrate it with scientific research, ensuring solutions are both technically sound and culturally appropriate.
Ecological Field Assessments
Our field research in the Eastern Carpathians includes camera trapping, habitat assessment, and spatial analysis to understand carnivore movements and landscape use. These data provide crucial insights for designing practical coexistence strategies.
Policy-Relevant Outputs
SESCARNIVORE translates research into actionable outputs, including an innovative Urban Development Plan that incorporates carnivore considerations into spatial planning. This bridges the gap between science and implementation, creating models for other regions.
European Knowledge Network
Through expert questionnaires and international collaborations, we're building a pan-European knowledge base on coexistence strategies. This network ensures our work integrates diverse perspectives and creates widely applicable frameworks.
Project Timeline
SESCARNIVORE unfolds over three years (2025-2027), with each phase building on previous findings to create an integrated understanding of human-carnivore coexistence.
Conceptual Framework
Literature review and expert questionnaires to identify key variables shaping human-large carnivore interactions globally and across Europe.
Participatory Systems Mapping
Workshops across Romania's regions to map local system dynamics and capture regional insights on human-carnivore interactions.
Field Research
Camera traps and ecological assessments in the Eastern Carpathians to gather data on wildlife movements in human-influenced landscapes.
Urban Development Plan
Integration of findings into an innovative planning framework for Sfântu Gheorghe to facilitate human-carnivore coexistence.