The LIFE BOREALWOLF project built bridges between residents, authorities, and researchers in wolf areas. The final Layman's report of the project describes how encounters can transform mistrust into cooperation.
In spring 2019, there were probably 185–205 wolves in Finland. The wolf population had grown particularly strong in southwestern Finland, a densely populated area.
The LIFE BORALWOLF project, launched in the same year, aimed to improve coexistence between humans and wolves by protecting domestic animals and hunting dogs, supporting local communities, training volunteer wolf DNA sample collectors, developing modelling tools, and disseminating information to the media, decision-makers, and schoolchildren.
During the project, the wolf population grew. In the spring of 2024, there were 277–321 wolves. At the same time, there was lively debate about wolves in both Finland and the EU. The growth of the wolf population and the heated political debate could have changed public attitudes towards wolves for the worse, but this did not happen.
With the support of EU LIFE funding, it was possible to focus on the essentials: cooperation, supporting residents in wolf areas, and practical solutions. The project also implemented the national wolf population management plan.
During the project, at least one DNA sample was analysed from 86–94% of territories. A total of 5,922 samples were collected. The share of volunteers in sample collection increased significantly: between the winter seasons of 2018 and 2024, their share rose from 20% to as much as 70%. The remaining samples were collected by staff from the Natural Resources Institute Finland and the Finnish Wildlife Agency.
Planners from the Finnish Wildlife Agency visited livestock farms and helped protect livestock from predators. According to feedback, the advice was considered necessary and effective.
The project introduced new protection methods to Finland, loaned equipment, and delivered predator fences. Most farms did not experience any damage after the protection methods were introduced. 89 percent of respondents to the feedback survey hoped that the activities would continue.
Although the work with livestock farms was valuable, the efforts of the three planners were not sufficient to reduce the amount of damage caused by wolves on a national scale. The work is set to continue with funding from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
Police and game warden patrols operated in eastern Finland to resolve problems related to wolves and to monitor illegal activities. Targeted monitoring increased the likelihood of detection. During the project, two new wolf territories were established in areas where the patrol carried out a significant amount of monitoring.
The patrol monitored unauthorized carcasses, and the project launched a nationwide supplementary training program on the investigation of animal welfare and hunting crimes. Approximately 80 authorities and legal professionals participated in the training.
The project was mentioned in the media an average of three times a week. The project's experts participated in various local and regional events, gave interviews, and answered questions from the public. The project was presented at over 240 events to approximately 10,000 people. School visits were made to 149 school classes, and 2,681 pupils learned about the four large predators in Finland.
Encounters and everyday support proved to be the most effective ways of increasing acceptance and solving practical problems in wolf areas.
LIFE BOREALWOLF project
Project in general: Katja Holmala, Madeleine Nyman
Protection of domestic animals and hunting dogs: Mari Lyly
Police and game warden patrols in eastern Finland: Harri-Pekka Pohjolainen
DNA sample collection and monitoring: Mia Valtonen
Communication and public attitudes toward wolves: Iina Ala-Kurikka, Jani Pellikka
