Developing a social-ecological niche theory to leverage human–large carnivore coexistence in Romania and Europe
FUNDING:
Funded through grant PN IV P1 PCE 2023 0225, Exploratory Research Program (PCE) of UEFISCDI.
PROJECT DURATION:
2025–2027
PROJECT DIRECTOR:
Assoc. Prof. Tibor Hartel. PhD
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
SESCARNIVORE develops an integrated social-ecological theory that combines natural conditions with human dynamics to facilitate sustainable coexistence between people and large carnivores.
This interdisciplinary endeavor brings together ecologists, sociologists, planners, and local communities to develop solutions that are applicable in practice, not only in theory.
The study is conducted at three levels:
- Global reviews and expert surveys to establish the theoretical foundation
- Participatory workshops with Romanian communities for mapping local interactions (systems mapping)
- Field research in the Eastern Carpathians — camera traps, habitat assessments, spatial analysis — providing concrete data for practical strategies
The main outcome is the development of an Urban Development Plan (UDP) for the Sfântu Gheorghe area, which integrates carnivore considerations into urban planning.
In this way, science becomes directly applicable, generating a model that can be replicated at the European level.
EXPECTED RESULTS:
- Development of a robust social-ecological niche theory applicable to human–large carnivore coexistence
- Creation of local and regional strategies and tools for coexistence management
- Contributions to policies and planning (urban and rural) sensitive to socio-ecological aspects
- Increased community awareness and acceptance of coexistence through stakeholder engagement
- Establishment of a replicable model for other regions affected by large carnivore populations
Project Website: sescarnivore.ro