A.1 Review and impact analysis of existing projects and tools
To establish a common baseline of knowledge among beneficiaries, and to leverage the knowledge and experiences of past projects, we will analyze available best-practice livestock protection protocols. Like this, existing shortcomings that this project should address will be identified. This will be done by creating a database of existing information and based on that conducting a SWOT evaluation (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) and impact analysis.
The outcomes will be taken into account in the implementation of all project Actions, and specifically Action C.1-C.6.
A.2 Stakeholder analysis, road map and lobby network plan
The project needs a well-structured and participatory approach to actively engage key stakeholders in the actions. This is important to enhance knowledge transfer and the willingness to cooperate in the implementation of livestock protection. In order to engage all stakeholders effectively, we will conduct a stakeholder analysis, based on which a road map for stakeholder consultation and involvement will be developed. Their active engagement helps the project to identify the needs of stakeholders and provides the opportunity to take their
suggestions into consideration. This will contribute to increase social acceptance and tolerance towards livestock protection in the project areas. Finally, a lobby network plan will be developed based on the outcomes.
This action provides the information needed to implement action C.3.
A.3 Data collection of wolf-livestock depredation, livestock protection impact, human dimension and legislation
To effectively communicate the necessity and value of livestock protection, it is crucial to take the latest scientific literature into account. By reviewing literature and collecting data on the following topics, we will create a broad knowledge base that will be used throughout the project’s life:
- Wolf-livestock depredation
- Optimal use of Alpine pastures
- Livestock activity impact on biodiversity and tourism
- Compensation and protection legislation
- Historical perspective of livestock protection
- Perception on livestock protection in local cultures
A.4 Assessment of current livestock protection implementation
The training of livestock farmers and consultants is important to ensure that effective livestock protection measures are implemented in regions where human-wildlife conflicts are prevalent. To create an effective training curricula, we will make an inventory of the existing curricula for livestock protection that are conducted in officially certified training centers in the project region. Knowledge gaps in existing livestock protection training will be identified and we will assess to what extent the curricula include components or modules on the topics of
livestock protection measures.
Also, the implementation of livestock protection is only successful if good quality material can be assured. Thus, the second part of the assessment will focus on the creation of livestock protection material inventory.
A.5 Defining protocols
Consistency in tools, such as guidelines and protocols, across the project region is important to improve international cooperation and exchange of experiences about livestock protection implementation. This will help to reduce the inconsistency in national and regional legislation across the project area. To do so, we will evaluate:
- Fence Lab material testing evaluation criteria
- Livestock guarding dog breeding and certification protocols
- Scatdog training protocols
A.6 Training and curricula development
The training curricula for the C.1 conservation actions have to be developed, tested and evaluated before implementation. All curricula will have a modular structure, which enables the project to adapt training to specific target groups and local needs. The training of key stakeholders will build capacities to to accept and, for most, implement livestock protection. The following curricula will be developed:
- Novice and experienced livestock farmer training
- Livestock protection consultants training
- Livestock Protection Competence Centres
- Youth education