In order to establish cooperation, identify what works well and what could work better in poaching prevention and stakeholder cooperation, we organised two seminars with a wide variety of experts.
The most recent seminar, held in January 2025 in Poland, gathered police officers, conservationists, and experts from Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. It focused on the challenges of poaching and the importance of working together across borders to protect our three species. Over two days, participants discussed the best ways to combat illegal hunting, with a special focus on how genetic analysis and monitoring tools can help in tracking poaching activities. The seminar also addressed the legal aspects of environmental crime, offering valuable insights on how to better protect large carnivores through cross-border collaboration.
We also met in September 2024 in the Czech Republic where we took a closer look at how law enforcement in the region can work together more effectively. Representatives from the Czech and Slovak Police, Customs Administration, and the Czech Police Presidium participated in the discussions. The seminar stressed the importance of starting cooperation early in investigations, especially when it comes to the role of genetic analysis in identifying poached animals. A key part of the seminar was a demonstration showing how to collect and analyse fur samples from lynxes. With the help of genetic testing, law enforcement can identify the individual animal, its origin, and even its family history—all of which are essential in solving poaching cases. Thanks to the LECA project, law enforcement agencies can have these analyses done for free.
One of the common denominators highlighted in both seminars is the value of close cooperation between law enforcement, conservation groups, and genetic experts. By sharing information and tools, these seminars have helped improve efforts to protect large carnivores, fight poaching, and ensure the survival of these species in the Carpathian region. Participation of law enforcement is essential to sustainable nature protection. Working together gives us the power to address environmental crime, strengthen investigations, and create a united approach to conservation.