Two important species, which arouse enthusiasm and discussion are returning to the Orobie mountains in the province of Bergamo: the wolf and the bear. The conflict between large carnivores and zootechnical activities is one of the most important causes of persecution operated by people against predators. The reduction of possible damages can be achieved through the adoption of specific prevention measures like the use of guarding dogs, night shelters and fences for livestock and direct surveillance by the shepherd.
An effective protection of flocks decreases the number of attacks by large predators; moreover, the maintenance of traditional livestock management favors the quality of pastures. As you may have already read, the project involves the training of volunteers who will provide knowledge and practical help in the field for all the aspects of the shepherds working day. Volunteers provide to the traditional farming world specific competences and good practices about ecosystems conservation while shepherd contribute with their own experience and deep knowledge of the territory.
Thanks to the project, the local shepherds’ community will benefit from the transmission of knowledge and practices useful in the managing of conflicts with large predators as to reduce the risk of economic damage for shepherds and of poaching for predators. The improvement of coexistence between shepherds and large predators is the better strategy in order to reduce different types of risks: for zootechnical activities from possible predation and for protected species from extinction.
The heart of the project is the encounter between volunteers and shepherds; volunteers offers concrete help to shepherds in their daily activities in the pastures and create an environment of reciprocal trust, which substantiates in a collaboration aimed at the reduction of the mentioned risks.
Hikes in surprising places, amazing night sky, crisp mountain airs: to participate in the project means to live an unforgettable experience while being helpful to shepherd, and in the protection of wolves and bears while sustaining traditional farming.
Learn more at: https://pasturs.org/eng/
