Where Wildlife and People Meet: Ecotourism and Nature Conservation in Slovakia

From the majestic peaks of the Tatra Mountains to the expansive Danube Lowland, Slovakia has a rich and beautiful natural heritage. The country’s small size belies its relatively high levels of biodiversity. Large carnivores survived here, in the heart of crowded Europe, while they vanished from much of the rest of the continent. In recent years, the numbers of wolves and, especially, brown bears have increased substantially, presenting both challenges and opportunities. This talk explores the potential of ecotourism, from passive wildlife watching to active conservation volunteering, to help foster sustainable approaches to human–wildlife coexistence.