In the heart of Europe, a silent battle is being waged—one that doesn’t involve tanks or troops, but hunters, policymakers, and the delicate balance of ecosystems. At the forefront of this battle is S. Bertouille, whose work, published in the journal Animal Biodiversity and Conservation, sheds light on the intricate web of wildlife law and policy. Bertouille’s research, though not affiliated with a specific institution, offers a roadmap for managing wildlife populations and mitigating human-wildlife conflicts, with implications that ripple through the energy sector and beyond.
Imagine a world where wildlife management is not a tug-of-war between conservationists and industry, but a collaborative effort that benefits all parties. This is the vision that Bertouille and other researchers presented during a session on wildlife law and policy. They emphasized the need for science-based knowledge and reliable data to inform decision-making, a point underscored by Dr. Borja Heredia, Head of the Scientific Unit of the Secretariat of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) of Wild Animals.
“Managing wildlife populations requires, first of all, science-based knowledge of their abundance, dynamics, ecology, behavior, and dispersal capacities,” Heredia stressed. This knowledge is crucial for policymakers, but it’s also vital for industries like energy, which often operate in or near wildlife habitats. By understanding the ecological impacts of their activities, energy companies can make informed decisions that minimize harm and maximize benefits.
One of the most significant challenges in wildlife management is the conflict that arises when human activities intersect with wildlife habitats. Heredia highlighted several examples, from logging activities in subtropical forests to predators threatening livestock. These conflicts are not just ecological issues; they have economic implications as well. For instance, wildlife-induced power outages or damage to infrastructure can result in significant financial losses for energy companies.
To address these challenges, Bertouille and her colleagues advocate for a sociological approach that considers the interests of all stakeholders. This approach involves dialogue, communication, and collaborative learning among users of the same ecosystem. It’s a strategy that could revolutionize the way the energy sector interacts with wildlife.
Take, for example, the case of the brushtail possum in Tasmania. The Australian government’s decision to promote the commercial harvest and export of these animals sparked controversy, with critics arguing that the process lacked transparency and public consultation. This is where the energy sector can learn from wildlife management. By involving local communities and stakeholders in decision-making processes, energy companies can build trust, foster cooperation, and ensure that their activities are sustainable and socially acceptable.
But how do we ensure that policies are effective and adaptable? Bertouille and her colleagues suggest a multi-step process that includes formulating policies, translating them into instruments, implementing them, and evaluating their effectiveness. This process is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, it’s a flexible framework that can be adapted to the specific needs and contexts of different regions and species.
One such adaptation is the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), which works for the conservation of a wide array of endangered migratory animals worldwide. The CMS promotes concerted action among the Range States of many of these species, encouraging them to reach global or regional agreements. These agreements can range from legally binding treaties to less formal instruments, such as Memoranda of Understanding or action plans.
The CMS’s unique capacity to develop models tailored to the conservation needs throughout the migratory range is a testament to the power of adaptability. For instance, the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, the Great Apes Survival Partnership, and the Programme for the Conservation and sustainable use of the wild saker falcon in Mongolia are all examples of how the CMS adapts its strategies to the specific needs of different species and regions.
But the work doesn’t stop at policy formulation and adaptation. Bertouille and her colleagues also stress the importance of involving stakeholders in the implementation of regulations. This involvement can take many forms, from information campaigns to the establishment of game warden services, as seen in the case of the Hellenic Hunters Confederation in Greece.
The HHC’s initiative to set up a Game Warden Service in collaboration with the local Forest Service is a prime example of how stakeholders can take responsibility for wildlife protection. By carrying out repressive and preventive controls and prosecutions, these game wardens have contributed to a significant reduction in infringements, such as hunting out of season and hunting without a license.
The research published in Animal Biodiversity and Conservation, known in English as Animal Diversity and Conservation, underscores the importance of dialogue, communication, and stakeholder involvement in wildlife management. These principles are not just theoretical; they have practical applications that can shape the future of wildlife management and the energy sector.
As we move forward, it’s crucial to remember that wildlife management is not a zero-sum game. It’s a complex web of interactions that require collaboration, adaptability