People, media and Parliament will have access to a range of up-to-date research information about wolves.
Wolves are a hot topic, and people want to know everything about them. Public debate can be heated at times, and many want to have their voices heard. It may be difficult to understand whether a claim is fact or fiction and whether information is up to date. Even though many views and opinions are associated with wolf population management, we believe that cooperation and interaction can be developed.
Open and regular communication is key
The LIFE BOREALWOLF project will raise research data about wolves to the fore. We will communicate the progress and results of the project regularly on the website and in social and conventional media channels. We will compile research data about wolves, their behaviour and biology and present it in an easily understandable format.
Furthermore, we will monitor public debate on wolves and study how, and how frequently, wolves and wolf population management are in the news. During the project, we will build a media monitor. It is a machine that identifies and classifies wolf-related news by using AI. Results produced by the media monitor will be released regularly.
We will ask different stakeholders, such as domestic and production animal farmers, outdoor enthusiasts, hunters and landowners, to present their views.
Information distributed in various channels
The project’s website will be the most important communication channel. Project news will also be shared on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Project has a newsletter (luonnonvarakeskus.microsoftcrmportals.com) as well.
We will provide reporters with topics and interviews. We will host annual coffee events for media representatives in wolf regions, focusing on current themes in each region. Furthermore, reporters interested in nature, game and the environment will be provided with visits to wolf territories.
We will provide members of Parliament with an annual event to present research data and discuss current themes related to wolves and the LIFE BOREALWOLF project.
We will produce wolf-related training and learning material for children, young people and interested adults. Project specialists will visit schools to talk about large carnivores and what to do when encountering them in the wild.
During 2021 and 2022, we will arrange wolf-related public events in the Western Uusimaa region. These public events will be part of the work package of the Uusimaa district of the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation.
We will update the luonnonvaratieto.luke.fi (former riistahavainnot.luke.fi) and suurpedot.fi websites to provide up-to-date information about wolves, even after the six-year project.
Schedule and outcomes
The progress and results of the project will be communicated frequently on the website and in social media channels. The project parties will also cooperate with media representatives throughout the project.
Every year, project-related events will be arranged for members of Parliament and media representatives.
In 2019, the project started and LIFE BOREALWOLF accounts opened in social media services.
During 2020, factsheets about wolves will be prepared for members of Parliament and media representatives, and training material will be prepared for students, citizens and contact people for large carnivores.
During 2021, a public event focusing on wolves will be arranged in the Western Uusimaa region. The first school visits will start.
During 2022, a seminar on conflict between people and animals will be held in Helsinki. The second public event focusing on wolves will be arranged in the Western Uusimaa region. School visits will continue.
During 2023 and 2024, school visits and events for members of Parliament and media representatives will continue as in previous years.
During 2025, project-related communication activities and their impact will be assessed. A final report will be released.
After the project, the project partners will continue their communication-related cooperation. Information and material produced in the project will be openly available at suurpedot.fi and riistahavainnot.fi.
Would you like to propose interesting topics or give feedback?
We would be happy to receive ideas and feedback! Send email to susilife@luke.fi.
Cover photo: © Vastavalo / Riitta Weijola
