A.1 Review and impact analysis of existing project and tools
To establish a common baseline of knowledge amongst beneficiaries, it is important that current, available best-practice livestock protection protocols are assessed. This is important to identify existing shortcomings that this project should address. To this end, a database of existing information is created and used as the basis for a SWOT evaluation (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) and an impact analysis.
The results will be taken into account in the implementation of all project measures, in particular Actions C.1-C.6.
A.2 Stakeholder analysis, roadmap and lobby network plan
The project requires a well-structured and participatory approach by all those involved in this highly emotional topic in order to actively involve important stakeholders in the Actions. This is important to optimise knowledge transfer, as well as willingness to cooperate in the implementation of livestock protection. In order to effectively involve all stakeholders, we will conduct a stakeholder analysis, on the basis of which a plan 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 increased social acceptance and tolerance towards livestock protection in the project regions. Finally, a lobby network plan will be developed on the basis of the results.
This Action develops the information required to implement Action C.3.
A.3 Data collection of wolf-livestock depredation, livestock protection impact, human dimension and legislation
A basis of knowledge founded upon the latest scientific data is important for effectively communicating the necessity and value of livestock protection implementation. By reviewing the literature and collecting data on the following topics, we create a broad knowledge base that is utilised during the project:
- 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 the return of large carnivores and the associated conflicts are common. In order to develop effective training curricula, we will conduct an inventory of existing curricula for livestock protection conducted in officially certified training centres in the project region. Gaps in knowledge in existing livestock protection training are thus
identified.
Furthermore, the implementation of livestock protection is only successful if high-quality material can be guaranteed. The second part of the analysis will therefore focus on compiling an inventory of available livestock protection materials.
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 areas. We will therefore analyse the following:
- Fence Lab material testing evaluation criteria
- Assessment of livestock guarding dogs breeding and certification protocols
- Scatdog training protocols
A.6 Training and curricula development
The training curricula for the Actions C.1 – concrete 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 change their behaviour to accept and to implement livestock protection. The following curricula will be developed:
- Curricula for novice and experienced livestock farmer training
- Curricula for livestock protection consultants
- Guidelines for livestock protection Competence Centres
- Youth education curricula