How can humans and wildlife coexist peacefully? This question was the focus of the panel discussion “Beyond Conflict: Is Peaceful Human-Wildlife Coexistence Possible?” held as part of the KfW Foundation’s Hidden Heroes Award ceremony on August 27, 2026. Dr. Lisa Lehnen, an associate member of the Rhineland-Palatinate Peace Academy, joined this year’s award recipient, Dr. Varun Goswami, and laudator Sugoto Roy in a discussion about conflicts between humans and wildlife, as well as possibilities for sustainable and peaceful coexistence. The discussion was moderated by Bärbel Schäfer. Approximately 200 guests, as well as members of the jury and KfW, attended the event.

The KfW Foundation’s Hidden Heroes Award honors exceptional commitment to the conservation of biological diversity and spotlights people who dedicate their work to protecting biodiversity. The panel discussion brought together different perspectives on the coexistence of humans and wildlife: While Dr. Varun Goswami focuses in particular on interactions between humans and elephants in India, Dr. Lisa Lehnen’s research addresses, among other things, the tensions surrounding the return and protection of wolves in Germany. Despite the different contexts, a common theme quickly emerged during the discussion: the central importance of participatory approaches. The involvement of local stakeholders and the consideration of diverse needs and values were discussed as key prerequisites for a sustainable approach to human-wildlife conflicts.

A video compilation provides insights into the event.