LIFE DinPin Bear: An ambitious project for the conservation of the brown bear in the Dinaric–Pindos range
A new European project, “LIFE DinPin Bear”, was launched in January 2026 across nine countries located along the Dinaric Alps–Pindos range, aiming to implement a comprehensive conservation strategy for the brown bear at the population level in this region. Last week, the project partners met for the kick-off meeting.
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New Regional Strategy for Balkan Lynx Conservation
The Regional Strategy to protect the Balkan lynx has been officially endorsed at the CMS COP15 in Brazil. Effective measures to protect the subspecies will focus on developing national action plans, connecting habitats, and increasing genetic diversity. Relevant authorities and lynx experts together with key actors will implement the new strategy in the coming years.
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Protecting the Balkan lynx: a European responsibility
++ Event at the EU Parliament in Brussels draws attention to the Balkan lynx ++ Less than 50 individuals of this rare cat species roam the forests of the Western Balkans ++ Protection of the Balkan lynx as a benchmark for species conservation in the accession countries ++
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“There’s something magical about gaining such deep insight into the life of a lynx.”
In times when nature conservation and environmental protection are more important than ever, women play a key role. In this series of articles, we turn the spotlight on passionate, brave, and inspiring women and the positive impact they’re making on nature conservation in Europe. In this sequel: Ira Topličanec
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Lynx conservation project honoured
The LIFE Lynx project has won two prestigious LIFE 2025 awards. The expert jury recognized the project as the best in Europe in the Nature Conservation & Biodiversity category, while the public also voted it the audience award winner.
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EU Parliament votes to weaken wolf protection
In a deeply concerning move for biodiversity across Europe, the European Parliament approved on the 8th of May the European Commission’s proposal to downgrade the protection status of wolves under the Flora-Fauna-Habitat Directive. What is particularly worrying is that the fast-track vote was taken in an urgency procedure in which the responsible environmental committee was not even consulted. ++ Addendum of 10 June 2025: Following the EU Parliament, the member states have now also approved the amendment. ++
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Bear cub drama
At the end of March, a bear cub was delivered to the animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS in Pristina, Kosovo. The cub had been caught in Albania and put up for sale online. A scandal showing that wildlife trafficking has not been completely curbed yet in the region and that effective structures for bear emergencies are urgently needed.
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Europe’s wolves under attack: Bern Convention weakens wolf protection
The Standing Committee of the Bern Convention voted to lower the protection status of wolves. This decision, driven by the EU's push to weaken wolf protections, is a step with serious consequences, devoid of any solid scientific foundation.
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Europe weakens wolf protection
Major blow to science and biodiversity after vote by EU member states
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Strengthen wolf protection, don't weaken it!
More than 300 civil society groups call on the EU to strengthen, not undermine, efforts to live with wolves. Member States should strengthen wolf protection, not weaken it.
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