Human Dimensions Team
Human dimensions and local coexistence platforms
Understanding the human dimensions of wildlife conservation in protected areas is essential for developing sustainable, locally tailored conservation and management strategies. At Callisto, we work to better understand the complex relationships between local communities and large carnivores by focusing on the social aspects of conservation and the unique characteristics, needs, and perspectives of each region.
Through research, dialogue, and stakeholder engagement, we support the development of local coexistence platforms that bring together communities, authorities, scientists, and other stakeholders to promote collaboration, build trust, and identify practical solutions that enable people and large carnivores to coexist.
Through scientific research, Callisto explores the relationship between local communities and wildlife, with the ultimate goal of promoting and strengthening sustainable and alternative livelihood opportunities that support both nature conservation and rural development.
In collaboration with local communities, associations, stakeholders, and policy-makers, Callisto also works to develop effective strategies for the participatory management of wildlife, protected areas, and their shared natural resources.
To achieve these goals, the organisation employs a range of social science methods, including interviews, focus groups, questionnaires, and participatory workshops such as the World Café methodology. These tools enable Callisto to assess the social, cultural, and economic factors that influence people’s attitudes, behaviours, and decision-making regarding wildlife conservation and environmental management. The overarching objective is to mobilise the knowledge, resources, and partnerships needed to encourage the adoption—and where necessary, the adaptation—of good conservation practices.
By deepening the understanding of the complex interactions between people and nature, Callisto promotes collaborative approaches such as Local Coexistence Platforms. These platforms function as multi-stakeholder advisory bodies, supporting local Protected Area Management Units by fostering dialogue and developing practical recommendations for the conservation and management of large carnivores. Their aim is to identify locally appropriate solutions that reduce conflict and promote coexistence. Callisto has established Local Coexistence Platforms in Rhodope, Prespa, Northern Pindos, and Mount Parnitha, working closely with local communities and stakeholders.
Through these platforms, Callisto cultivates cooperation, trust, and constructive dialogue among a wide range of stakeholders by applying conflict resolution, negotiation, and participatory decision-making approaches. The goal is to achieve balanced, widely supported solutions tailored to each region and to develop a shared framework for managing interactions between people and large carnivores.
At the European level, Callisto participates in the European Platform on Coexistence between People and Large Carnivores. The organisation also works towards establishing a National Coexistence Platform in Greece to facilitate dialogue among stakeholders on large carnivore management, while supporting the creation of regional cooperation platforms, such as a Balkan Coexistence Platform, to strengthen cross-border collaboration across the wider region.