Abstract
The return of wolves to the Alps has ignited conflicts and introduced challenges that require responses at multiple levels—political, administrative, and practical. While the focus often lies on technical solutions such as herd protection measures, the underlying social and economic factors are equally crucial. Shepherds play a central role in herd protection, yet their profession remains undervalued and underfunded. The LIFEstockProtect project has worked intensively over the past five years with key stakeholders in the German-speaking Alps, from individual farmers to policymakers, to address these complex issues. Through qualitative interviews, informal field meetings, workshops, and discussion rounds, the project has identified key obstacles: Beyond the traditional belief that lethal control will resolve the issue, a major challenge is the reorganization of pasture management. This involves not only technical and financial adjustments but also overcoming resistance within farming communities, where the use of protection measures is sometimes met with hostility. Additionally, the lack of professional shepherding threatens both the implementation of herd protection and the preservation of valuable cultural landscapes. However, professional shepherding offers significant ecological benefits when combined with expertise in biodiversity and guided grazing. To address these challenges, LIFEstockProtect is exploring the implementation of a contract-based nature conservation framework in South Tyrol. This approach could provide sustainable funding for shepherds, recognizing their role not only in herd protection but also in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services. By professionalizing the sector and improving economic conditions, shepherds could become key actors in fostering coexistence with large predators while ensuring the long-term viability of mountain pastures.
This presentation discusses real-world examples, the challenges involved, and potential solutions for future projects and policies. It will highlight how strengthening the shepherding profession can contribute to both effective herd protection and ecological landscape management in a changing Alpine environment.