Interreg Europe Project WLE

WILDLIFE ECONOMY (WLE) is based on the conviction that nature is an economic asset. In some cases, especially in remote parts of Europe, it can be one of the main building blocks of a sound economic development strategy.

This conviction is not common practice. Nature is seldom considered an economic asset, making implementation of policies for nature conservation ineffective as nature conservation measures are regarded an expense or threat for economic development, leading to a lack of local support. Regional economic development policies often fail to capitalize on the opportunities arising from nature development and conservation. Additionally, mechanisms for re-investment of income from natural capital into nature and visitor management tend to be lacking.

 WLE aims to support European regions in delivering sustainable growth, by enabling them to improve policies for regional economic development rooted in their regional natural assets. Good practices of wildlife economy will be exchanged, showcasing WLE as an innovative, viable and attractive economic strategy.

 Partners will:

• Develop Regional Action Plans (RAPs) supported by local communities, including hunters, farmers and fishermen, that integrate entrepreneurial development strategies in nature conservation policies to make nature conservation policies more effective
• Exchange good practices and generate input for the RAPs through tailor-made study visits with regional stakeholders
• Organize peer2peer sessions to generate joint solutions for common issues
• Build a knowledge base in cooperation with an international team of experts
• Set up a joint monitoring plan of WLE results
• Generate new projects that implement the wildlife economy principles
• Communicate results to relevant stakeholders, amongst other via two conferences

WLE impacts existing nature areas by attaining a better conservation status. Moreover, the regional economy benefits from an improved business climate for regional entrepreneurs.