Human dimensions of wolf (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Canis lupus</Emphasis>) conflicts in Finland |
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Authors: | Jukka Bisi Sami Kurki Marko Svensberg Tuija Liukkonen |
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Institution: | 1.Mets?hallitus,Oulu,Finland;2.Ruralia Institute, University of Helsinki,Sein?joki,Finland;3.Hunters’ Central Organization,It?salmi,Finland;4.University of Oulu,Oulu,Finland |
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Abstract: | The growth of the Finnish wolf (Canis lupus) population during the last years has highlighted people’s contradictory attitudes toward wolves. The supranational conservation
objectives brought on by Finland’s membership in the European Union (EU) and the regional application of the official policy
on wolves have led to conflicts. This article is based on the preparation process of the wolf management plan in Finland.
As a part of the process, a nationwide hearing was arranged in 2004. Fear of wolves is widespread and even more common in
areas with low wolf population. People living in areas where wolves occur feel that they can no longer influence decision
making which affects them and that the authorities, conservationists, and the EU do not listen to their opinions. Numerous
requests have been made for the legislation and its interpretation, and concessions to these requests would promote consensus
and increase tolerance for wolves. Proposed changes include reforming the damage compensation system and formulating a clearer
interpretation of the conservation status of wolves. However, it seems impossible to create a policy that would be universally
supported. As the wolf question has become more central in environmental policy, the conservation and management of the species
have become more complicated, and the cooperation between various interest groups has declined. The wolf conflict could be
mitigated by compromises, but because the conflict is value-based, solutions are illusive. |
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Keywords: | Consensus Conservation status Population management Social sustainability Wolf discourse |
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