Yesterday, 3 December 2024, the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention voted in favour of downgrading the wolf's protected status, a decision that has been heavily criticized by conservation experts and environmental organizations.

The Environmental Organizations, who are co-signatories of this statement, join other European organizations and international networks in considering that this decision, which was caused by the EU's attempt to weaken the protection of the wolf, is a serious mistake, as it lacks any scientific rationale.

EU Member States, by voting to support the weakening of wolf protection under the Bern Convention, ignored calls from more than 300 civil society organizations, the Large Carnivore Initiative for Europe and hundreds of thousands of citizens, urging science-based action to promote coexistence between humans and large carnivores. In contrast, European countries seem to have supported politically motivated decisions.

The EU already allows responsible management of wolf populations, including the option of killing if necessary. However, in December 2023, the European Commission proposed weakening wolf protection under the guise of livestock damage, following a consultation process that ClientEarth, says was problematic and is now under investigation by the European Ombudsman.

Downgrading the protection regime risks deepening social rifts rather than promoting constructive solutions. Wolf populations have barely recovered from their extinction in most parts of Europe and weakening their protection could put in risk this fragile recovery.

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

SIGNATURES

1. ΑΝΙΜΑ, Hellenic Wildlife Care Association
2. ARION, Cetacean Rescue and Care Research Centre
3. ARCTUROS, Civil Society for the Protection and Management of Natural Environment and Wildlife
4. ARCHELON, The Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece
5. Action for Wildlife
6. Hellenic Ornithological Society
7. ELLINIKI ETAIRIA, Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage
8. Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature
9. Naturefriends Greece
10. Society for the Protection of Biodiversity of Thrace
11. Society for the Protection of Prespa
12. Callisto, Wildlife and Nature Conservation Society
13. Ecological Recycling Society (ERS)
14. i-Sea
15. Greenpeace
16. MEDASSET
17. MedINA
18. Mom
19. The Green Tank
20. WWF Greece