Invitation to the Summer School on the challenges of coexistence with large carnivores


21-27 July 2025, Pivka


In the framework of the international research project CoCo - Co-creating coexistence, we invite you to the Summer School on Challenges of Coexistence with Large Carnivores, which will take place from 21 to 27 July 2025 in Pivka. 


The Summer School is designed as an interdisciplinary student camp, allowing participants to gain practical experience and knowledge at the interface of ecology, agriculture and social sciences. The main theme of the camp is the coexistence of pastoralism with large carnivores, focusing on challenges, opportunities and strategies to improve understanding and reduce conflicts in space. The Summer School is organised by researchers from the Department of Biology (Chair of Ecology and Environmental Protection) and the Department of Zootechnics (Chair of Agrarian Economics, Policy and Law) of the Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Ljubljana.


The programme will include various activities: interviews with farmers in areas where large carnivores are present, visits to farms to learn about local farming practices, learning about carnivore ecology (including evening howling), biological field days (mammal tracking, botany, herpetology, etc.) and an introduction to the planning and implementation of social science research with a focus on nature conservation. Special emphasis will also be given to understanding and communicating with the different perspectives of local stakeholders.

 

The Summer School is free of charge, with meals and accommodation covered. In the case of field trips, travel expenses are also reimbursed.
The Summer School is currently in the process of being accredited by the Faculty of Arts, so it is expected to be eligible for 3 KT in the framework of the 1st and 2nd cycle study programmes.


The CoCo project is taking place in 12 European countries and explores the complex dynamics between grazing practices and wildlife management. The data collected will be used to develop proposals for policies and tools that will support sustainable coexistence between people and animals in agricultural landscapes.
Further information is available in the attachment.
Applications are invited until 31 May 2025 via the online form: https://1ka.arnes.si/coco2025
For further questions, please contact: