Motion 070

We feel confident that the significant gaps in procedural adherence, policy and practice can be overcome through the application of scientific best practice and existing evidence that will support more effective ecological recovery strategies in the push towards achieving targets for 2030 and beyond.

The following points summarise and support the context of this belief.

Historical Context and Conservation Milestones: The persecution of wolves, driven by cultural biases and misinformation, nearly eradicated wolf populations in key regions. The 1973 Declaration of Principles for Wolf Conservation emphasized the need for coexistence and debunked myths surrounding wolves as predators of humans.

Livestock Conflicts and Solutions: Studies consistently show that wolves account for a statistically minor percentage of livestock losses. Effective nonlethal measures, such as livestock guardian animals and improved fencing, have been proven to mitigate conflicts while supporting agricultural resilience and ecosystem health.

Legal and Ecological Implications: The delisting of wolves under the Bern Convention highlights the dangers of politicized decision-making. Stronger safeguards must be developed and applied to ensure policies reflect ecological priorities and scientific input.

Policy and Representation Issues: Wildlife management policies are often disproportionately influenced by interests that favor consumptive uses of wildlife, such as hunting. This imbalance underscores the need for broader representation and evidence-based approaches, underpinned by ecological principles, in the decision-making processes.

Rights of Nature Integration: The Rights of Nature framework offers a bridge over the time required to embed cultural attitude shifts towards tolerance and coexistence with predators, providing legal support to enforce attitudinal change. This approach aligns with the goals of the Kunming-Montreal GBF and other international biodiversity agreements.

The proposed Task Force will be able to join the dots between these interrelated topics and deliver a robust strategy / set of strategies to support the IUCN in its mission.

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In recent years, Europe has faced mounting pressure from sectors advocating for the reduction of protection measures for key species such as the wolf (Canis lupus) and piscivorous birds like cormorants. These demands, framed as necessary to safeguard economic activities such as livestock farming and fisheries, risk undermining decades of conservation progress. In some cases, calls have been made to weaken environmental regulations under the pretext of boosting economic growth. This trend is concerning as it threatens not only the conservation of iconic species but also the ecological balance that sustains essential ecosystem services and rural economies.

The current political climate underscores the urgent need for science-based, balanced approaches that address human-wildlife coexistence through social, economic, and environmental solutions. The IUCN, as a global leader in conservation, must be actively engaged in providing robust guidance and support to its European members to ensure that conservation measures are maintained and strengthened, rather than diluted. This motion calls for a reinforced framework of “active coexistence,” in which economic incentives, public-private partnerships, and improved infrastructure contribute to reducing conflicts and fostering collaboration between communities and conservation efforts.

Why a Motion is Needed
A formal IUCN motion is crucial to respond to the current socio-political challenge at the European level. Individual national actions have proven insufficient in counteracting pressures to reduce environmental safeguards. A coordinated, region-specific approach that highlights the mutual benefits of coexistence—through biodiversity conservation, economic resilience, and social cohesion—is essential.

By proposing targeted, evidence-based measures, this motion complements existing frameworks like the EU Habitats Directive and the Bern Convention while addressing gaps in the implementation of coexistence programs. Moreover, this motion leverages previous IUCN Resolutions, such as WCC-2020-Res-101 and WCC-2020-Rec-086, to develop a comprehensive response to the emerging threats facing European wildlife and rural communities.

This historical moment calls for a proactive response that strengthens conservation measures amid socio-economic tensions. The IUCN's leadership is vital to foster resilient, science-based policies that ensure the long-term coexistence of people and wildlife, protecting both natural heritage and rural livelihoods in Europe.