The Project
More than 100 years after their eradication, the habitats in the Swiss Alps have recovered to such an extent that the large predators—lynx, bear, and wolf—are once again able to thrive and expand in many areas. This ongoing development has led to occasional land-use conflicts and emotional debates. The present project, set to begin in early 2025, does not aim to take a pro- or anti-large predator stance but rather to address their presence as a given reality. The goal is to contribute to conflict prevention through a shared, solution-oriented approach while simultaneously creating added value.
Beyond the major challenges faced by agriculture tourism is also confronted with new tasks: concerned hikers and dog owners guest complaints due to emotional campaigns and similar situations call for new innovative solutions in visitor information and management.
Other countries like the US or Norway have been leveraging the presence of large predators for some time to develop and offer tourism products. In Switzerland as in the entire Alpine region this has so far been done only to a very limited extent. However innovative tourism products (beyond wildlife observation) can create economic opportunities for local communities while also raising awareness and aiding visitor management. Additionally joint activities with guests and locals provide an opportunity to foster a greater understanding of different perspectives.
The project addresses the question: How can and should tourism deal with large predators?
Project objectives are:
Dialogue & Understanding
Foster understanding of different perspectives among both locals and guests.
Visitor Information & Management
Providing fact-based knowledge about large predators to guests to reduce existing uncertainties. Additionally assessing the need for adaptations to existing tourism infrastructure and developing and implementing management measures.
Potential Analysis & Tourism Product
Conducting potential analyses for tourism products related to large predators as well as developing and testing potential tourism products that create tangible benefits for all involved.
Non-Objectives are:
Discussion & Political Influence
Discussion or influence on cantonal or Swiss policy regarding large predators.
Measures
Below, selected measures from the individual work packages aimed at achieving the project objectives are presented.
Work Package 1: Dialogue Platform
- Establishment of a regional dialogue platform in both destinations Arosa and Engadin Scuol Samnaun Val Müstair for tourism service providers representatives from agriculture and hunting as well as other interested stakeholders to facilitate exchange on joint tourism planning.
Work Package 2: Visitor Information and Management
- Knowledge Building & Workshops for guests
- Implementation of findings in the development of infrastructure safety measures visitor management strategies and communication strategies (including complaint management)
- Execution of information and training measures for staff working in agriculture or tourism
Work Packages 3 & 4: Potential Analysis and Development & Testing of Tourism Products
- Analysis of demand potential
- Service design workshops
- Implementation of pilot offerings
Timeline
January 2025 - Project start
2025 & 2026 - Project implementation
AP 1: Dialogue Platform
Successful completion of the first and second dialogue platforms in Arosa on March 19 and June 30, as well as the first dialogue platform in Zernez on June 26. Participants included individuals from the fields of agriculture, forestry, hunting, and tourism. The focus was on exchanging experiences and opinions, as well as discussing potential improvements in visitor management.
AP 2: Visitor Information & Management
Completed Europe-wide survey on visitor information and management in protected areas, nature parks, and tourism destinations with experience in dealing with large carnivores. Ongoing development of measures in Arosa and the Engadin.
AP 3: Potential Analysis
Ongoing guest survey on interest in tourism offers related to large carnivores.
AP 4: Product Development
2027 - Project completion & final report
Participating Organizations
Funded by
