Bolzano: Provincial Wildlife Observatory members renewed
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| The Provincial Council of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano has appointed the new members of theProvincial Wildlife Observatory. Advisory body of the Provincial Government on scientific and technical issues, it mainly provides reports on the extension of hunting to non-huntable species, the establishment of zoos and the capture of wild animals for scientific purposes. The commission is composed of recognized experts from South Tyrol, Austria and a representative of the Higher Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA). In the session of 2 July 2024 The Provincial Government has appointed the following members of the commission for the next five years: Dominik Trenkwalder (official of the Wildlife Management Office, president, confirmed in office), Barbara Franzetti (ISPRA, confirmed in office), Florian Kunz (wildlife expert, new in office), Gabriela Testor (wildlife biology expert, new in office) and Josef Wieser (zoologist, new in office).“The Wildlife Observatory is an important body with a broad range of expertise and equal representation, which supports policy in many matters and also contributes to the important and sensitive topic of large carnivores. It is of fundamental importance not to lose sight of the objective view of the issue, even in emotionally charged discussions: and this is precisely one of the main functions of the body”, summed up Luis Walcher, Councillor for Agriculture. Two representatives of ISPRA were in Bolzano yesterday and today for a technical discussion with officials from the Forestry Service Department, the Provincial Attorney’s Office and the representatives of the South Tyrolean Farmers’ and Direct Cultivators’ Union. The aim was to discuss together the legal options for the culling of problematic wolves. All parties involved have assured that they will achieve their goals: the Farmers’ Union wants to intensify its efforts to promote the implementation of herd protection measures, the Forestry Service is working with the Province’s lawyers to refine legally valid arguments, the ISPRA representatives have shown themselves willing to take into account the difficult framework conditions of the South Tyrolean alpine pastures. “It is important for us to maintain the tradition of managing the alpine pastures, which are at risk. These cultural landscapes represent the heart of biodiversity”, Walcher emphasized. | |
