For the implementation of livestock protection in regions that have lived without such measures for a very long time, knowledge transfer and dissemination are very important. Human dimensions also play an important role in this process. Conflict can arise if certain questions are left unanswered. Therefore, it is important to identify stakeholders for the project and for livestock protection in gerneral, so that they can be actively included in the project implementation.
Please also read: The first livestock protection competence centre in South Tyrol
Open questions, joint answers
Why should a more labour intensive practice that was previously unnecessary be implemented by livestock owners? Is it true that livestock protection is fragmenting wild habitats? Can we still hike in the Alps if there will soon be livestock guarding dogs on the pastures?
These and more questions express the worries of significant stakeholder groups who are directly or indirectly affected by the topic of livestock protection. These are, among others, people working in the fields of agriculture, hunting, science, tourism and higher education, as well as local, regional and national associations or political offices. In order to start a discourse around certain topics and to answer all open questions, a stakeholder analysis is conducted as part of the project. Its goal is to identify people from all stakeholder groups and invite them to personal group discussions.
Stakeholder meetings in preparation
At the beginning of this year, LIFEstockProtect took the first step with these stakeholder groups in the project region. Altogether, we identified 32 groups and categorised almost 400 people as stakeholders. Furthermore, a social scientific method for the categorisation of different stakeholders was used. The evaluation of this stakeholder analysis will subsequently help to specifically invite people to the different group discussions. For we are convinced that livestock protection cannot be supported by one group or one time limited project alone. Through a transparent approach and the inclusion of different stakeholders, we will find wide-reaching solutions.
The next step is to organise appropriate events, in peronal when possible. We will of course keep you updated on the dates and outcomes of these events.
