INTERNATIONAL EVENTS

CELEBRATIONS

Global Initiatives in Support of Biodiversity Conservation

Every year, the CIC joins in supporting its partners in promoting various initiatives and days relevant to our shared vision for biodiversity conservation. Here is a recap of some of the activities since the start of this year.

WORLD WETLANDS DAY (WWD) 2 FEBRUARY 2022

WWD is an annual campaign which looks to raise awareness on the importance of wetlands. Hunters play an essential role in valuing, managing and restoring wetlands all over the world. As engaged stakeholders in waterbird conservation, they have incentives to ensure that waterbird populations and their habitats (including wetlands) remain healthy. Examples of how hunters contribute to wetland conservation include the creation of nesting sites for birds and controlling numbers of invasive predators.

UN WORLD WILDLIFE DAY (WWD) 3 MARCH 2022

UN WWD is dedicated to raising awareness on the world’s wild animals and plants - the initiative this year was held under the theme “Recovering key species for ecosystem restoration”. The goal was to highlight the conservation status of critically endangered species, with the aim of driving new efforts to conserve such species, restore their habitats and promote their sustainable use. As part of WWD, the CIC also promoted WWF’s #WORLDWITHOUTNATURE campaign, in which international organisations removed references to wildlife from their logo for a day to highlight global biodiversity loss. In addition, the CIC was in Vienna, Austria to attend a press conference organised in the framework of the day on the topic of wildlife crime, which was hosted by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Natural History Museum Vienna (NHM Vienna), the Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance and the Schönbrunn Zoo.

WORLD MIGRATORY BIRD DAY (WMBD) 14 MAY 2022

Held bi-annually, WMBD is an event that brings attention to the need for migratory waterbird conservation. This year’s theme was to publicise the impact of light pollution. 7.5% of seabird species are attracted to and confused by artificial light, which can result in injuries or cause them to be grounded and unable to fly. Inspired by this theme, the CIC issued a challenge to its friends and members - to limit the amount of light they produce when visiting coastal areas, whether going waterfowl shooting, or simply going to see the beach.

INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY 22 MAY 2022

The International Day for Biological Diversity is a call to action to protect and conserve biodiversity. In an effort to build support for the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, “Building a shared future for all life” was put forward as the slogan for the celebrations. The CIC promoted the “Connecting the Dots” campaign as part of the proceedings, which involved highlighting the various ways in which biodiversity impacts our daily lives. Food security was the topic that was focused on, with people encouraged to consume a varied diet - including wild game meat - as a way to support food security and biodiversity.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

One Health, the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and IPLCs: A New Era for the CIC

Within the framework of the 68th General Assembly, the CIC approved and adopted its new Statutes, ushering in a new era for the organisation and the wider world of conservation.

Historically, the CIC has always championed biodiversity by supporting its conservation through sustainable use.

In supporting the needs of hunting, as well as the benefits it generates for larger society, the organisation has been able to contribute towards conservation and the improvement of livelihoods in all areas of the world.

In recent years, however, the scale of global sustainable development issues – not just those related biodiversity – has resulted in a need for new multi-faceted approaches if we are to build a more sustainable and equitable future. That is why the CIC has committed to working on the following three work areas and issues as part of the new CIC Statutes.

• “One Health” • UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration • Indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs)

By adopting these elements into the core functions of the CIC, we have committed to working towards a new future in collaboration with like-minded individuals, organisations and entities.

“One Health”, the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and IPLCs will be deeply ingrained into all elements of the CIC’s work going forwards. To give you some insight into what we will have in store, we have provided summaries of these three topics below. “One Health” is an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimise the health of people, animals and ecosystems. It recognises that the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the wider environment are closely linked and inter-dependent. The emergence of zoonoses and their impact on the world, as demonstrated by COVID-19, serves as one glaring example of this. With this in mind, the CIC will be looking to mobilise and work with multiple sectors and communities in order to tackle the most pressing sustainable development issues in a streamlined and effective manner.

UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration

The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration is an initiative running between 2021 - 2030 which aims to prevent, halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems on every continent and ocean. In addressing ecosystem health, we are also helping to end poverty, combat climate change and prevent a mass extinction. Hunters are already engaged in ecosystem management and restoration, efforts which will need to be increased in support of the UN Decade. The 2022 CIC Wildlife Photo Prize has already been held in support of the initiative, as part of an effort to raise awareness and support for ongoing ecosystem restoration actions.

Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs)

We are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of indigenous and local knowledge in biodiversity conservation. Not only do IPLCs live amongst and sustainably use natural resources to support their livelihoods, they are also the frontline workers in protecting and restoring our natural spaces. Environmental conventions such as CBD and IUCN have realised this and are now placing a greater emphasis on IPLCs throughout their values and activities.

In recent years, the CIC has been working to give a voice to IPLCs, supporting their right to sustainably manage and use their natural resources, while facilitating their inclusion in all levels of environmental decision-making.

Ban on Lead in Ammunition Called Into Question After European Ombudsman Finds Evidence of Maladministration

The European Ombudsman has reported findings of maladministration after investigating the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for failing to distribute information pertaining to the European Chemical Agency’s (ECHA) proposal for a ban on lead in ammunition in a timely manner.

The maladministration was attributed to ESFA’s uncooperative attempts to facilitate FACE (European Federation for Hunting and Conservation) in their requests for information which informs a key part of ECHA’s current position on the ban in question.

FACE had requested the relevant documents from ESFA in order to investigate their contents while ECHA was hosting a consultation on their proposal. However, the seven month delay in the provision of the information meant that the consultation was closed to the public once FACE had received the materials. Notably, FACE has stated that several issues have since been identified in the documents, meaning they were unable to bring them to the attention of ECHA during the consultation period.

The European Ombudsman noted that these types of requests for information should typically be handled within 15 days, or 30 days in exceptional cases. Given the course of action that transpired, the Ombudsman concluded that “access delayed is access denied.”

In light of this information, ECHA should consider reopening their public consultation relating to the ban on lead in ammunition. It is vital that the European institutions uphold a fair, valid and rigorous legislative process, which ECHA may be unable to uphold given the situation at hand.

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New Heads of Delegations of the CIC

THIERRY DE LORIOL (Switzerland)

Thierry de Loriol was born in Venezuela, grew up in Nigeria and attended school in London, Paris and Lausanne. After graduating from law school in Geneva, he then spent 15 years in investment banking in Zurich, London, Frankfurt and ultimately Tokyo. He returned to Switzerland 20 years ago and focused on the private banking sector and its consolidation, leading the restructuring of several private banks and asset managers.

Thierry now lives on his family estate, close to his home town of Geneva. A keen hunter and conservationist, Thierry shoots (mainly partridge and woodcock), hunts (wild boar) and stalks (roebuck, deer, chamois and occasionally ibex) throughout Europe, as well as locally. ZOLTÁN KOVÁCS (Hungary)

Zoltán Kovács is the Secretary of State for International Communication and Relations for the Government of Hungary. He has also held numerous other high-level positions in government, including Government Spokesperson for the Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister, as well as two other Secretary of State positions.

Both professionally and privately, Zoltán Kovács is deeply engaged in hunting and sustainable use matters. He was the Government Commissioner for Hungary’s “One with Nature – World of Hunting and Nature” exhibition, which brought the international stage of hunting and conservation to the city of Budapest in 2021. He is also familiar with the ongoing work of the CIC, moderating and speaking at the two most recent General Assemblies of the CIC (Budapest and Riga).

MICHAEL CASSIDY (USA)

Michael Cassidy is a life-long sales and content executive who has spent many years promoting a multitude of media assets - including internet, print, and television - throughout his career in the publishing industry. He is currently based with Outdoor Sportsman Group (OSG) and serves as Publisher for Game & Fish and In-Fisherman magazines. Prior to joining OSG, he also held leadership positions at F&W Media (Deer & Deer Hunting, Gun Digest, Modern Shooter, Destination Whitetail) and Scout.com (North American Hunter and North American Fisherman).

In addition to representing the United States within the CIC, he sits on the Board of Directors for both the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation and Bonefish Tarpon Trust and Wildlife Forever. He is a life member of several organisations that the CIC has partnered or been affiliated with, including Dallas Safari Club and Safari Club International.

The CIC Welcomes A Deputy Director General & A Marketing Officer

We are delighted to announce that Sebastian Winkler - a German, Mexican, French, and Swiss national who grew up in Africa - has joined the CIC as the new Deputy Director General.

The news comes following the decision of the outgoing Deputy Director General, Mark Ryan, to step down from the position after a tenure of three and a half years. We thank him for his years of service, and wish him well on his future ventures in New Zealand.

Sebastian Winkler has over 20 years of experience as a broker across the United Nations, numerous governments, private industry and the NGO sector. Throughout his career, he has worked with organisations and conventions that are closely associated with the activities of the CIC, including IUCN and UNEP.

He is an internationally recognised leader in environmental policy and diplomacy, whose expertise lies in biodiversity, regenerative agriculture, sustainability metrics, voluntary certification standards, environmental economics, climate change and resource mobilisation.

In addition, Sebastian is keenly attuned to hunting and sustainable use issues, with his first exposure to hunting coming at the age of eight after going on a hunting trip with the Baka Pygmies in Cameroon. This appointment would also not be his first exposure to the CIC. In 2017, he was in attendance at the 64th General Assembly in Montreux, where he moderated the panel discussion, “What’s your problem with hunting?”

To add to this exciting news, we would also like to take this opportunity to announce the hiring of Arno Wimpffen, who will work as a consultant with the CIC Administrative Office.

Arno’s background is in forestry and international management. He has been a hunter for 37 years and is involved in the management of an estate, including the hunting activities that take place there. In addition, he has experience in Brussels, where he worked with several European institutions. The CIC warmly welcomes Sebastian and Arno to the team. We are excited to see where this new direction leads for the CIC and its international membership.

The CIC And the International Order of St. Hubertus Commit to Strengthening Ties

Dr. Philipp Harmer, President of the CIC (left) and István von Habsburg-Lothringen, “Grand Master” of the International Order of St. Hubertus (right)

On 30 April 2022, CIC President, Dr. Philipp Harmer, attended an International Order of St. Hubertus meeting in Kremsmünster, Austria to promote the work of the CIC and to celebrate the new relationship between the two organisations.

The International Order of St. Hubertus is a global organisation and knightly order of hunters and wildlife conservationists that promotes hunting ethics and practices. Notably, the organisation recently joined the CIC network as an international NGO member.

On the evening of April 29th, the CIC President hosted a reception, in the name of the CIC, for participants at his home in Feyregg, Austria which was attended by some 30 people.

At the official meeting the next day, a number of keynote speeches were held in the much befitting location of Kremsmünster Abbey, a monastery first built in 777 AD.

In his speech, Dr. Harmer recognised and applauded the International Order of St. Hubertus for becoming an international NGO member of the CIC, while stating his intention to develop a close relationship between the two organisations. Following on from this, he outlined the work of the CIC in dealing with the threats to hunting and sustainable use in today’s world.

Particular mention was made to the influence of international campaigns targeted towards the UN and the European Commission. In recent years, such campaigns have often caught the attention of the media and policymakers alike, despite them often being founded in emotion and sentiment rather than wildlife science.

István von Habsburg-Lothringen, the “Grand Master” of the International Order of St. Hubertus, echoed the sentiments of the CIC President in his speech, where he underlined his desire to work together and share ideas with the CIC going forward.

The U.S. in particular was mentioned as a target area for joint focus, due to the International Order of St. Hubertus’ strong presence within the country and the CIC’s growing and influential U.S. Delegation.

The CIC once again extends its thanks to the International Order of St. Hubertus for joining the CIC Membership. With both organisations renowned for their extensive and knowledgeable networks, the new relationship has the potential to lead to exciting initiatives in the near future.