An event to celebrate together the commitment of communities, associations, and local authorities in promoting long-term coexistence between humans and bears
On August 2nd and 3rd, from dawn to sunset, the Municipality of Vastogirardi (Isernia) will host the inaugural edition of the “Bear-Smart Communities festival”. This two-day event focuses on the relationship between humans and nature, with a special emphasis on the challenges and opportunities that the presence of the Marsican brown bear, one of the emblematic species of the Central Apennines, brings to the area.
Activities will include hikes, role-playing games, debates, theater, performances, music, and workshops for both adults and children. The aim is to promote coexistence with the bear, demonstrating that this is a social and cultural process that everyone should feel involved in. Education and active citizen participation—living alongside the bear—are key to fostering this harmony.
Numerous organizations will participate, offering a variety of activities at a festival that celebrates diversity and hospitality as its strengths. These include local artisans and producers, associations, and initiative promoters such as Rewilding Apennines, Salviamo l’Orso, Abruzzo Lazio and Molise National Park, Pro Loco of Vastogirardi, the Bear-Smart Community Committee of Vastogirardi, and the Municipality of Vastogirardi. The event is supported by Rewilding Europe and the LIFE Bear-Smart Corridors initiative. Attendees will also enjoy the contributions of illustrators, conservation scientists, actors, and musicians, who will propose new and engaging ways to interpret the complex relationship between humans and bears. Additionally, visitors will be taken on a journey to discover the breathtaking wild nature of the Central Apennines.
Among the guest speakers is science communicator Mattia Iannantuoni, who will present his show “Ride verde chi ride ultimo – Live!”, a comedic take on ecological crises. It’s a reflection on current issues such as urban wildlife and the human-nature relationship through humor. The festival will also feature lively music performances by Chorando Brasil, the popular orchestra from the Abruzzo Lazio and Molise National Park, and the Turbolenti band, who will energize the event with rockabilly, swing, and country tunes.
This festival is part of the European LIFE Bear-Smart Corridors initiative, which aims to promote a culture of coexistence between humans and bears in the Central Apennines. The project seeks to expand the population of the endangered Marsican brown bear by replicating the successful “Bear-Smart Community” approach—where communities implement best practices for peaceful coexistence, as successfully demonstrated since 2015 in Pettorano sul Gizio (L’Aquila) with the “Bear-Smart Community Genzana.” The goal is to establish at least 16 such communities across just as many municipalities, both in protected areas and in ecological corridors, and even in northern Greece.
The event takes place in a context where local communities are aware of the challenges posed by the presence of the Marsican brown bear but are eager to be involved in shaping territorial initiatives. This commitment is transforming participating municipalities into communities that are not only “bear-smart” but also recognize the importance of preserving nature and respecting wildlife—both as intrinsic values and essential for our own survival.
Ecologically, the brown bear, as an apex predator, helps maintain healthy ecosystems and balanced food chains. Its presence can enhance the attractiveness of an area, drawing nature and wildlife enthusiasts from Italy and abroad, as evidenced by the strong local tourism in the Central Apennines and the rising interest in nature tourism. Furthermore, a 2023 study published in the journal “Human Dimensions of Wildlife” estimates that, between 2015 and 2020, the presence of the Marsican brown bear generated an advertising value equivalent of about 11 million euros for the region through media coverage and articles on the species in prominent national newspapers and TV channels.
Here there is the full program of the event.
