Building coexistence pathways

Transforming social-ecological systems for human–bear coexistence in the Central Apennines, Italy

Paula Mayer, Adrienne Grêt-Regamey

ETH Zürich

Addressing the global challenge of biodiversity loss requires Social-Ecological Systems (SES) to develop new pathways that reconfigure human–environment relationships. Catalyzing such transformations demands a solid understanding of SES' transformative capacities. Human–large carnivore coexistence represents a growing concern for global biodiversity conservation. Large carnivores impact ecosystems and provide societal benefits, making their conservation essential. However, coexistence is complex, shaped by diverse actors, socio-economic activities, and ecological conditions. Although gaining traction in conservation science and through non-governmental initiatives, coexistence continues to face political challenges, as illustrated by Switzerland’s struggles with human–wolf coexistence.

Local initiatives led by change agents can drive transformations toward coexistence, yet the social, ecological, and institutional conditions that enable or hinder such change remain poorly understood. Our action research investigates the LIFE Bear-Smart Corridors project, led by the NGO Rewilding Apennines, which seeks to deliberately transform SES toward desirable futures of coexistence with the endangered Apennine brown bear in the Central Apennines, Italy. Specifically, we (1) evaluate SES network mechanisms fostering transformative change and (2) co-develop visions and concrete coexistence plans with local stakeholder committees, tailored to the contexts of different mountain communities.
Using a mixed-methods approach, we integrate participatory SES network mapping, interviews, and network analysis, including bears as non-human stakeholders. We explore how coexistence interventions reshape stakeholder relations, ecosystem service management, and SES feedback dynamics. Finally, we assess how co-designing coexistence plans with stakeholders can enhance transformative capacities, supporting effective, scalable, and equitable strategies.