The fifth edition of the TusnadEcoBear international conference, dedicated to human coexistence with bears and other large carnivores, will take place in Baile Tusnad over October 20 - 23, bringing together researchers, wildlife managers, conservation experts, policymakers, NGOs and local community representatives.

According to the organizers, the event is based on the premise that coexistence with large carnivores has no single solution and requires a combination of science, field experience, legislation, education, communication and local knowledge. Beyond presenting research findings, the conference aims to foster international dialogue that can inform both local practices and future public policies.

Organized by the Project Bag Association, with scientific coordination from the Research and Development Institute for Hunting and Mountain Resources in Miercurea-Ciuc, the conference will feature around 40 scientific and professional presentations, including eight keynote lectures, research and conservation project sessions, workshops, field visits and debates.

The programme focuses on five key themes: large carnivore management, wildlife monitoring technologies, legal and public policy issues, the social dimensions of coexistence, and the relationship between science, media and public communication.

Among the keynote speakers are researchers Nuria Selva (Spain), Carsten Nowak and Alexandra Sallay-Mosoi (Germany), Dutch environmental law expert Arie Trouwborst, and Romanian experts Christian-Radu Chereji, Tibor Hartel and Mihai I. Pop.

On the final day of the conference, Dutch nature journalist Anne Broeksma will give a presentation on the relationship between science and the media and the impact of reporting on large carnivores.

A strong youth component will feature 23 participants from Romania, Bulgaria and Greece under the Erasmus+ project 'YEAH for human-wildlife harmony', giving them the opportunity to present their work and engage with international experts.

The conference will also include visits to the Research and Development Institute for Hunting and Mountain Resources, Saint Anne Lake Nature Reserve, Mohos Peat Bog, Balvanyos Baths and the Ciomad volcanic area.

Organizers said Baile Tusnad was chosen due to its internationally recognized experience in managing human-bear coexistence through measures such as improved waste management, electric fencing, wildlife monitoring and community engagement.

The conference's main organizer, biologist Imecs István from the Project Bag Association, emphasized that the TusnadEcoBear project was conceived in the spring of 2021 as a local civic initiative, and that since then, both the conference and the Baile Tusnad model of best practices regarding human-bear coexistence have gained international recognition.

In her turn, WWF-Romania representative Carmen Padurean said that this conference 'creates a space for dialogue and collaboration among specialists, authorities, organizations, and communities, fostering the exchange of knowledge, the development of joint projects, and the strengthening of professional networks needed to identify efficient and sustainable solutions.'

Alongside the conference, the public-oriented TusnadEcoBearFest will take place on October 22-23, offering interactive activities for children and families focused on wildlife, nature conservation and environmental education. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Gina Stefan; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi)