Nature is under attack: The protection of the wolf is downgraded under the Bern Convention

Press Release from 20 Environmental NGOs

Yesterday, December 3^rd, 2024, Bern Convention’s Standing Committee voted in favor of downgrading the protection status of the wolf, a decision that has been heavily criticized by experts in nature conservation and environmental organizations.

The Environmental Organizations, who co-sign this statement, join our voices with other European organizations and international networks, with the belief that this decision, prompted by the EU's attempt to weaken wolf protection, is a serious misstep, as it lacks any scientific rationale.

EU Member States, by supporting with their vote the weakening of wolf protection under the Bern Convention, ignored the call by more than 300 Civil Society organizations, the Large Carnivore Initiative for Europe, and hundreds of thousands of citizens, who urged for scientifically-based action to promote coexistence between humans and large carnivores. On the contrary, European countries seem to have supported decisions that were politically motivated and possibly linked to personal reasons, as the pony of European Commission President Von der Leyen was killed by a wolf in 2022.

In the EU, responsible management of wolf populations is already permitted, including the option of culling, if deemed necessary. However, in December 2023, the European Commission proposed weakening of wolf protection under the pretext of damage to livestock, following a consultation process that, according to ClientEarth, was problematic and is now under investigation by the European Ombudsman.

The downgrading of the protection status poses the risk of deepening social divisions instead of promoting constructive solutions. Wolf populations have barely recovered after their disappearance from most parts of Europe, and weakening their protection could endanger this fragile recovery.

Instead of easing tensions, this particular decision could potentially exacerbate social polarization and erode public trust in efforts for effective wolf population management.

Signed by (in alphabetical order):

1. ANIMA
2. ARION
3. ARCTUROS
4. ARCHELON
5. Action for Wildlife
6. Hellenic Ornithological Society
7. Hellenic Society for Environment and Culture
8. Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature
9. Greek Network "Friends of Nature"
10. Society for the Protection of Biodiversity of Thrace
11. Society for the Protection of Prespa
12. CALLISTO, Environmental Organisation for Wildlife and Nature
13. Ecological Recycling Society
14. i-Sea
15. Greenpeace
16. MEDASSET
17. MedINA
18. Mom
19. The Green Tank
20. WWF Greece