This moderated public dialogue on coexistence with wolves will take place in Community Center Zbytiny, on the initiative of Robert Zeman (ECR/CZ)
After two years since the first such dialogue, this public meeting once again brings together those who are directly or indirectly affected by the presence and spread of wolves in Czechia, particularly in the South Bohemian Region. The event offers an open space for dialogue where experts, regional and local representatives, environmental authorities, farmers, breeders, and members of the public can discuss their experiences, concerns, and expectations regarding coexistence with wolves.
The discussion will be moderated by the Mayor of Zbytiny and a representative of the town of Prachatice.
Among the invited contributors are regional governors and their expert colleagues, national legislators, municipal leaders from affected areas, and Czech members of the European Committee of the Regions who follow the topic of large carnivores at EU level. Representatives of major environmental institutions - including the Šumava National Park Administration, the Nature Conservation Agency, and the Ministry of the Environment - will provide insight alongside farmers, breeders, and agricultural entrepreneurs who have experienced wolf‑related damages in recent years. Additional guests from professional circles, civil society, and the media are also expected to participate.
The meeting will cover the role of the CoR and the current European discussions on coexistence with large canids, including recent developments at EU level that may influence national approaches.
Throughout the afternoon, participants will look at how wolf populations have evolved over the past two years - particularly in the Šumava region - and what this means for local communities. They will examine the effectiveness of technical measures designed to prevent wolf attacks on livestock and consider whether these solutions have proven sustainable and reliable over time. The discussion will also turn to the impact wolves have had on agriculture: whether the scale of damages is increasing or decreasing, how compensation processes function in practice, whether current legislation is adequate, and whether administrative procedures have improved in recent years.
Another important topic will be the relationship between EU-level decisions and domestic regulations. Participants will discuss whether recent European and international measures on the protection of wolves and bears have influenced Czech law in a way that supports long‑term, locally workable solutions. The meeting will also open the question of public perception: whether general attitudes toward wolves have shifted, and whether fears - if present - are still justified.
After these exchanges, the floor will open to questions from the audience, followed by an extended discussion with panelists. The event will conclude with informal conversations and opportunities for media interviews.