Are you a young person based in Denmark, Sweden, Norway or Finland and want to become a leader in coexistence with large carnivores? Join this workshop to meet like-minded people and be empowered to act!
Location: Mols Lab in Ebeltoft, Denmark
Dates: 17-19 of April 2026
Open to: young people between 18 and 30 based in Denmark, Sweden, Finland or Norway
THE PROJECT
The context:
After missing for decades due to human persecution, predators – especially wolves – are coming back to the Nordics. This natural return brings challenges and fears, as people are re-learning to share the space with these animals. Predators are fundamental in ecosystems, yet, in the Nordics, they often struggle to fill their ecological role due to declining, inbred or isolated populations because of overhunting (often unlawful). This is the result of fear, misinformation and politicization towards these animals. Coexisting with predators is possible and what is needed is dialogue, education and positive storytelling.
Coexistence is also a matter of intergenerational justice. Young people have a role to play because not only they will experience the consequences of current (wrong) decisions for longer, but also because they are experts and enthusiastic advocates which can, and should, be listened to and enabled to act to have modern, ethical and science-based coexistence.
The purpose of the project is to increase knowledge, awareness and tolerance towards large carnivores by:
- empowering young Nordic people in being active stake- and right-holders in coexistence by facilitating capacity-building (phase 1), and
- facilitating opportunities for them to promote coexistence in the Nordics (phase 2)
Become a young leader in coexistence with wildlife!
Project timeline and follow-up:
- 17-19 April (phase 1): preparatory workshop (this event)
- April – July (phase 2): activities led on the ground by volunteers
After attending this workshop, you are expected to carry out 1 activity (e.g: talk, walk, event, hike, movie screening, design a poster) in your local context (e.g.: school, university, town, library, kindergarten) to raise awareness about coexistence with wolves, bears, wolverines or/and lynx before the end of July 2026.
The workshop will help you coming up with an idea for your activity.
All expenses related to these activities (e.g. material, travel, catering, renting) will be covered.
You can do it in collaboration with someone else, such as other participants in your country.
No previous experience is required, just proactivity and commitment to the cause.
Organizers and Funding
This project is co-led by the Nordic chapter of the European Young Rewilders and the De Unge Biodiversitets-ambassadører.
The project is funded by the Nordic Climate and Biodiversity Pool and logistical support is offered by the HEMPEL Foundation.
THE WORKSHOP
The workshop will gather around 20 young people from the Nordics that want to be leaders in promoting coexistence in their communities and countries.
What you can expect from the workshop:
- Learn basics about predators, coexistence and legal framework
- Find out about how youth can engage in coexistence
- Meet and be inspired by like-minded people
- Exchange knowledge, experiences and ideas
- Finalize your idea and create a plan for your activity
Who can apply?
The workshop is for young people aged 18-30 who are based in Denmark, Finland, Norway or Sweden. As the focus is terrestrial large predators, islands are excluded.
Applicants will be selected taking into consideration geographical relevance and gender balance. Members of the organizing organizations (EYR and DUB) will be prioritized and in general being active in a (youth) organization is a bonus. Preference will also be shown to volunteers who have contributed to the planning process.
Practical details
The deadline to apply is Friday March 13th at 13.00 CET.
You will be informed no later than March 17th about whether or not you have secured a spot at the workshop. Once you confirm your spot you will be sent further information and you will be added to a Whatsapp Group that will be used to mainstream practical communication.
The agenda will be finalized closer to the event date.
The project covers the costs of transportation, food, and accommodation. We will arrange food and accommodation in connection with the activity.
The seminar will be held at Mols Lab, Strandkærvej 6, Femmøller, 8400 Ebeltoft, Denmark – starting Friday 17 April mid afternoon and finishing Sunday 19 April immediately after lunch (exact times will be shared later)
This event is co-designed by young people for young people, everyone is expected to be active, open-minded and contribute to the various sessions, tasks and activities.
The venue
Mols Laboratory consists of the Nedre Strandkær farm, an adjoining smallholding, two student houses, and surrounding land covering 150 hectares. The property previously belonged to the Natural History Museum of Aarhus, but has recently been acquired by the Hempel Foundation. Mols Lab is a rewilding research facility, which studies the effects of using large grazers in nature projects. Mols has previously investigated topics such as what herbivores eat through the year and botanical diversity under different grazing regimes.
Transportation
You will have to book your transportation and you will be reimbursed afterwards. Please keep all tickets and receipts.
The closest airport is Aarhus, which is about an hour by bus. Aalborg and Billund are within 3-4 hours by public transport. To get to Mols laboratory one first has to travel to Aarhus st from which Mols laboratory is accessible via bus 123 which runs from Aarhus to Femmøller/Hvidmosevej (Syddjurs Kom), from which it is a 30 minute walk.
There will be a group of people coming from Malmö and Copenhagen airport.
Please consider the financial, climate, and environmental costs, stay within the specified budget, and ensure your travel aligns with participating in the entire program.
Location, accommodation and food
Most participants will stay in shared rooms with one or two other participants. By default, room assignments will be based on the gender indicated in the application form.
We take specific needs into consideration.
Food will be prepared together in the kitchen of the venue and will be by default vegetarian. Further dietary restrictions will be taken into consideration.
Feel free to contact us about this or if you have questions about whether we can accommodate your needs.
Apply here
Contact us!
If you have any questions, you can always contact Giulia at giulia.testa@rewildingeurope.com