According to Rewilding Europe, groundbreaking initiatives in Italy’s Central Apennines and the Czech Republic are proving that conflict is not inevitable. The "Bear-Smart Communities" program has successfully integrated safety measures and public education to allow brown bears and humans to live side-by-side. Experts like Francesco Romito emphasize that the return of wolves to European landscapes is being met with a growing readiness to adapt, supported by citizen science projects that involve locals in wildlife monitoring. These efforts underscore a pivotal shift from fear-based management to a strategy rooted in ecological balance and mutual respect.

The connection between the current news and the film highlights a universal truth: whether in the Apennines or the Himalayas, the survival of large carnivores depends on the human heart's capacity for tolerance. Viewers of the film at EcoFrames gain a deeper understanding of the delicate threads that connect mountain ecosystems to the cultural identity of those who inhabit them.

At EcoFrames International Environmental Film Festival, we believe that cinema serves as a bridge between scientific data and emotional truth. By showcasing stories like "Denmo," we hope to inspire a global audience to embrace coexistence as the cornerstone of a sustainable future.

Additional Context

Rewilding Europe has launched new coexistence guidance designed to equip local leaders with the knowledge and practical solutions necessary to enhance the wildlife comeback. This initiative reflects a growing readiness across the continent to share space with keystone species such as wolves, bears, and beavers, whose numbers and ranges are currently increasing. By providing tools to manage these expanding populations, the guidance aims to unlock the specific benefits associated with a return of native wildlife.

The Global Rewilding Alliance emphasizes that facilitating coexistence and involving all members of the community are long-term processes essential for restoring biodiversity. Effective rewilding efforts must be planned with a sustained perspective to ensure the recovery of ecosystem services, such as carbon storage. While some ecological benefits return immediately, restoring missing species and removing barriers to their movement takes significant time and community engagement.

Further supporting these adaptation efforts, the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change launched a portal in January 2026 to assist regions and cities in assessing risks and accelerating resilience. These resources bring together data and real-world solutions to help communities thrive alongside nature. This broader movement focuses on capturing the story of people and nature thriving together, highlighting how iconic native species can reclaim their habitats through shared spaces and restored natural processes like regenerating forests and free-flowing rivers.

Source: rewildingeurope.com