People and rewilding

2 Who do we work with?

2.4 Case study: how to build engagement in practice

I'm not afraid of the wolf

In 2016 a wide range of stakeholders came together, united by a shared passion. Residents of small mountain villages in the Apennines and the Alps, shepherds and farmers, urban dwellers, and nature professionals began collaborative efforts to scale up and enhance human–wolf coexistence.

Italian NGO Io Non Ho Paura del Lupo (‘I'm not afraid of the wolf’) has an overarching aim: to ensure the conservation of the wolf in Italy and in Europe by inspiring people to live alongside wolves. It works towards this goal by promoting factual and positive information to a diverse European audience.

Effective, scientifically grounded communication on wolf-related issues helps remove myths and misconceptions around this often misunderstood animal. In areas where wolf populations are present, Io Non Ho Paura del Lupo reaches out to local stakeholders to raise awareness and understanding. The organisation also works to inform people about the behaviours and practices to adopt to promote coexistence, particularly in areas where wolves have just returned or are about to return.

To achieve its objectives, Io Non Ho Paura del Lupo uses a range of communications tools and approaches:

Educational and informative materials.
Wolf-related video, infographics, and multimedia.
Events such as conferences, in-depth workshops, public meetings and projects for schools.

In 2023, Io Non Ho Paura del Lupo achieved the following results:

52 events held during 2023.
2500+ participants attended offline events.
8 regions influenced by these events (Abruzzo, Emilia Romagna, Friuli Venezia-Giulia, Lazio, Liguria. Lombardia, Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige).
2300+ hard copies of the ‘Getting to know the wolf’ handbook distributed for free.
332 children involved in the ‘Getting to know the wolf’ school project.
4.2 million+ people connected with online.
123,000 followers on social networks by the year-end.
5 million+ video views on social networks.
278 members and supporters by the year-end.
1 coexistence festival held, with 35 different events attracting more than 700 people over the course of three days.

A group of people meeting outdoors.

A group of people meeting under a roof structure outdoors.

A group of people are gathered outdoors at a community engagement event in Italy focused on coexistence with wolves. The setting is picturesque, with traditional thatched-roof huts and mountainous terrain in the background. The attendees appear to be listening attentively to a speaker who is addressing them from the center of the group.

Photos from several events during coexistence festival in Italy. Credit: Io Non Ho Paura Del Lupo