Abstract
Ecological connectivity is at the base of ecosystems’ health, including species protection and human well-being. The Alpine area is the scene of
continuous interactions between human activities and wildlife, which may turn into concrete conflicts. Adequate prevention and management
of human-wildlife conflicts require several adjustments to the practices of many sectors, including agriculture, breeding, forestry, hunting,
transport, waste management, outdoor activities in the mountain, as well as dealing with general concerns of many rural residents, tourists and
the opinions of the large public. There are basic needs that must be preserved, different goals that can be negotiated among stakeholders and
different attitudes that can escalate to very high levels and dominate the political debate.
Many impacts can be mitigated in a technical way through the adoption of rules and suitable solutions, but this is not enough. The maintenance
of ecological networks and the survival of many wildlife species rely not just on innovative solutions, but also on an increased tolerance
and social carrying capacity that cannot be achieved only by laws, science, money, or fences alone. It ́s a long term process that empowers
stakeholders to become involved in dynamic constructive change processes to build sustainable and equitable conditions for coexistence.
Identify and analyzing conflicts, inform and improve scientific knowledge, raise awareness, open up dialogue among different competences,
favor the transfer and the coordination at national and international level, and manage conflicts at the local level are key elements that can, at
the same time, prevent disputes and transform them into opportunities for coexistence.