From Ecological Concerns Toward Solving Societal Problems?

The wolf is an endangered species. Principles for the conservation of wolves have been agreed upon internationally through, for example, European Union instruments. However, international agreements and goals are often in opposition with needs and opinions at the national and, especially, local level. Differing cultural and practical perceptions have not been taken into account in the formulation of internationalising politics. Results of such ‘top-down’ politics include lack of respect and commitment at the local level. Ultimately, the wolf loses in this game. The article examines how wolf conservation and policy developed in Finland from the 1960s to the early 2000s. It will be shown how ecological concerns have been taken seriously in the design of the wolf policy while societal concerns have not gained similar interest or strategic planning.