OMPO General Assembly
The organisation Migratory Birds of the Western Palearctic (OMPO) held their ordinary and extraordinary general assembly at the FNC in Paris to decide on the future direction of the organisation including the election of the board of directors and propositions for a scientific council. (Read More)

CITES Intergroup in the European Parliament – a chance to discuss world-wide conservation
As the European Union’s 27 Member States prepare for common positions in the lead up to the 15th Conference of the Parties (CoP15) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), a joint meeting was organised on this topic by the “Sustainable Hunting” Intergroup and the “Climate Change” Intergroup in the European Parliament. (Read More)

European Post-2010 Conference Madrid
As part of its EU presidency, the Spanish government, in cooperation with the European Commission and the Council of Europe, organised a high-level conference on “Post-2010 Biodiversity Vision and Target” which made an analysis and assessment of the (non-) achievements of the “2010 Target” at EU level, namely to stop the decline of biodiversity.
(Read More)

Passion for hunting and wildlife shown at EP
For a change of pace, representatives of the European hunting community were at the European Parliament in Brussels not to gain favour with MEPs but rather to thank them and raise awareness. (Read More)

ATA holds workshop on bowhunting
Although Europe has 7 million hunters, many of its 20,000 bowhunters have to travel outside of their own country to be able to enjoy their “passion”, reported Larry GRIFFITH, chair of the Archery Trade Association (ATA) Board of Directors at its most recent workshop held in Columbus, Ohio. (Read More)

SCI Convention – Indeed the Ultimate Hunters Market.
The Safari Club International (SCI) Convention, held this year from the 19-23rd of January in Reno, USA, is almost certainly the biggest hunting convention in the world. (Read More)

The Berlin Green Week
The Berlin Green Week is the biggest and most well attended food and agriculture event in the world and this year (15-24 January), with 60 ministers of agriculture, over 400,000 visitors and 5,100 journalists from 70 countries, was no exception. (Read More)

A new face at FACE
FACE's head office has a new colleague from Germany since the middle of January. Ralf Puetz was sent by the German Hunters Association (DJV) to Brussels for at first six weeks to cooperate with FACE. (Read More)

Plans for the Intergroup progress (Read More)

OMPO General Assembly
The organisation Migratory Birds of the Western Palearctic (OMPO) held their ordinary and extraordinary general assembly at the FNC in Paris to decide on the future direction of the organisation including the election of the board of directors and propositions for a scientific council. As decided last October, OMPO has changed its statutes and will now be transformed to OMPO – European Institute for the Management of Wild Birds and their Habitats.
OMPO is an international NGO dedicated to the conservation of Palearctic migratory birds and their habitats at flyway scale. In achieving this aim, OMPO has a long standing history of cooperation with the scientific bodies and governmental authorities in the Baltic States, Ukraine, Belarus, the Russian Federation as well as Western Africa. In 2007 a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between the African Eurasian Waterbirds Agreement (AWEA) and OMPO in recognition of its active role as an observer in the AEWA Technical Committee, its valuable support in the recruitment of Parties and by its enhancing the implementation of AEWA through its scientific and monitoring programmes.
During the transition period of new OMPO Institute, FACE President Gilbert de Turckheim has taken onboard the role on interim President of OMPO to assist in the process of setting up the new structure. It is hoped that in the future OMPO can build upon its research network and develop a stronger ecosystem approach to conservation, through the monitoring of habitats and other elements which affect the survival of our migratory birds.

For more information, please contact FACE Biodata Manager, Cy GRIFFIN

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CITES Intergroup in the European Parliament – a chance to discuss world-wide conservation
As the European Union’s 27 Member States prepare for common positions in the lead up to the 15th Conference of the Parties (CoP15) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), a joint meeting was organised on this topic by the “Sustainable Hunting” Intergroup and the “Climate Change” Intergroup in the European Parliament. (For more information about CITES and CoP15, see our article in the November 2009 edition.) The purpose of the meeting was to provide MEPs (who will vote in early February on a non-binding Resolution on the EU strategic objectives for the CITES COP15) andCommission officials from DG ENV (who are to adopt a proposal for a binding common EU position on CITES, which will ultimately be decided by the Council of the EU before the CoP15) with a sustainable-use approach in relation to the EU positions on various CITES listing proposals, such as the polar bear and the African elephant.
Presentations were given by a high-level panel, consisting of inter alia the European Commission, represented by Hugo-Maria SCHALLY from DG ENV; Amalie JESSEN, Deputy Minister, Department of Fisheries, Hunting and Agriculture, Greenland Government; Duane SMITH, President of the Inuit Circumpolar Council, Canada; IUCN (Dr. Susan A. MAINKA, Head, Science and Learning) and the Namibian Minister for Environment and Tourism, Hon. Netumbo NANDI-NDAITWAH. The latter’s participation – which was made possible thanks to the support of Safari Club International Foundation (SCI-F) – was highly valuable in order to brief MEPs and EU officials on why CITES must remain a legal instrument for conservation of elephants – and not prohibition. There are clear examples from Namibia and other African range states that meaningful conservation cannot be achieved in areas where a sustainable use option is scientifically available but prevented on purely protectionist grounds. On the other hand, in areas where emblematic wild species such as the elephant have true monetary value they are managed and protected against poaching, mostly with the active collaboration of local stakeholders. The representatives from Greenland and Canada made sure that the same message came across in relation to the conservation of the polar bear.
After having recalled that the EU is the most important market for wildlife in the world, Mr SCHALLY, from the Commission, confirmed that the EU’s stance is that CITES is to be considered as a tool for regulating trade in wildlife and not primarily aimed at trade restrictions. The decisions under the Convention must be based on best available science, he added, and not emotions, such as the beauty of certain species, etc. FACE welcomes, of course, this message from the Commission. It seems indeed that some animal rights’ groups try to deliberately mislead both the general public and decision-makers to what CITES is about by giving the impression that it is an instrument to prohibit trade.
In direct connection with the Intergroup, FACE and SCI-F organised a joint Press Policy Briefing, with the participation of the Namibian Minister and MEP Roger HELMER (ECR, UK). This event, which was well attended by Brussels-based journalists from both the hunting and mainstream press, gave a good opportunity for the sustainable-use advocates to explain how CITES best contributes to conservation and why prohibition on international trade in valuable wildlife resources whose survival is not threatened by such trade would be detrimental to the species’ own survival. It was an opportunity to reiterate that the conservation of a species – in particular like the elephant and the polar bear, which can give rise to animal-human conflicts, such as crop damage, injury or even loss of human life – cannot be effective if the support of local people is not guaranteed. Such support comes, among other things, from sustainable international trade generating income. These relations are also recognised by the Parties to CITES, having stressed in various Resolutions the needs to respect and engage local people in conservation. FACE once again expressed hope that the EU Member States’ final position on CITES before CoP15 will be one of sustainable use and conservation.

From lef to right: Amalie JESSEN, Deputy Minister, Department of Fisheries, Hunting and Agriculture, Greenland Government; Hon. Netumbo NANDI-NDAITWAH, Namibian Minister for Environment and Tourism; Duane SMITH, President of the Inuit Circumpolar Council, Canada; MEP Gaston FRANCO (EPP, FR); Dr. Susan A. MAINKA, Head, Science and Learning, International Union for Conservation of Nature; Hugo-Maria SCHALLY, Head of Unit ‘Multilateral Environmental agreements, processes and trade issues’, Directorate ‘International Affairs’, DG ENV, European Commission; and Mark DICKEY-COLLAS, Member of the FAO Expert Advisory Panel for CITES.
Photo: FACE

From lef to right: Norbert ULLMANN, SCIF; MEP Roger HELMER (ECR, UK); Angus MIDDLETON, FACE CEO; Hon Netumbo NANDI-NDAITWAH, Namibian Minister for Environment and Tourism; and John R. MONSON, Former President, Safari Club International.
Photo: FACE

For more information, contact FACE Legal Affairs Officer, Johan SVALBY

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European Post-2010 Conference Madrid
As part of its EU presidency, the Spanish government, in cooperation with the European Commission and the Council of Europe, organised a high-level conference on “Post-2010 Biodiversity Vision and Target” which made an analysis and assessment of the (non-) achievements of the “2010 Target” at EU level, namely to stop the decline of biodiversity. It was also an opportunity to face up the challenge of defining and adopting a now “Post-2010 Target”. The conference further marked the official launch in Europe of 2010 as International Year on Biological Diversity. Key-officials from 48 European States, intergovernmental bodies (UNEP, UNESCO, OECD), European institutions (EEA), International Conventions (CBD, CITES, CMS, AEWA) and international and European NGOs took part in this event.
The discussions also focused on the role of protected areas and ecological networks in Europe (NATURA 2000, Emerald) for conserving biological diversity and maintaining complex ecological systems that deliver vital environmental services. It was precisely on that latter aspect that the FACE SG-SPA made a presentation in one of the five parallel workshops on the first day, addressing the positive socio-economic contribution of traditional rural activities, such as sustainable hunting and angling – also inside protected areas.
Among the main conclusions emerging from the debate was a recognition of the need to allow those who directly participate in land-use management, and in particular local communities, to fully participate as stakeholders in decision-making processes. In this way, action for biodiversity will be “bottom-up”, demonstrating the economic opportunities arising from conservation. Consensus was also reached on the need to incorporate payment for biodiversity services into sectorial policies and to base political decisions on the best available knowledge and scientific information.
The outcome of the conference can be found under:
http://www.fundacion-biodiversidad.es/minisites/2009/conferencia2010/doc/Prioridades_Cibeles_eng.pdf

For more information, contact FACE SG/SPA, Dr Yves LECOCQ

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Biodiversity has a value
Biodiversity is essential for humans. It provides goods and services, such as food, the maintenance of water and air quality, climate regulation and the production of medicines. Europe’s economy is closely related with biodiversity and relies on nature’s goods and services.
Despite its importance, the EU will not reach the target to halt biodiversity loss in Europe by 2010. Only 17% of species and habitats of conservation interest in Europe are in favourable conservation status. In general, the conservation status of all habitat types associated with agriculture is significantly worse than other types of habitat (see Report 2001 - 2006 on Art 17 of the Habitats Directive). The main reasons are land use changes, urban development and habitat fragmentation. Therefore, protected areas and ecological networks, such as the Natura 2000 network, play an important for the conservation of biodiversity.
Ecological and socio-economic benefits of protected areas and their networks need to be communicated more widely. During EU expert group meetings and conferences such as the European Post-2010 Conference Madrid (see previous article), the European Commission explicitly mentions the crucial role of rural stakeholders such as hunters and the formation of partnerships for the management of protected areas and their networks. Biodiversity conservation and sustainable use need to be integrated into other sectorial policies such as agriculture, fishing, energy, transport and development policies. These sectors need to be aware of the true cost for using biodiversity. Therefore, the economic valuation of biodiversity services must be incorporated in the implementation of sectorial policies and in the established financing instruments. The sector specific TEEB (The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity; www.teebweb.org) reports are an important step towards this.

For more information, contact FACE Project Manager, Gabor von BETHLENFALVY

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Passion for hunting and wildlife shown at EP

For a change of pace, representatives of the European hunting community were at the European Parliament in Brussels not to gain favour with MEPs but rather to thank them and raise awareness. The Presidents of the national hunting federations in the 27 Member States of the European Union presented to each of the MEPs from their country a collection of the most breathtaking wildlife photographs compiled in the splendid book by the photographer, Eugène REITER (LU).
The book, “Passion for hunting and wildlife in Europe”, was presented last night at a reception organised by FACE (Federation of Associations for Hunting and Conservation of the EU) at the European Parliament, with support from the Office of the MEP Veronique MATHIEU (EPP, FR) and under the patronage of Joseph DAUL, Chairman of the EPP. Eugène REITER was also present at this event.
Before an audience of some fifty MEPs and parliamentary assistants, FACE President, Gilbert de TURCKHEIM, pointed out “the crucial role played by hunters to preserve biodiversity.” He also talked about the social aspects of “hunting”, thanks to which there is a greater appreciation for the countryside, and for its unifying role that bonds urban and rural populations who may not otherwise have the opportunity to interact. The Chairman of the EPP, J. DAUL, underlined that every day hunters would show their ability and interest in preserving wildlife and habitats.

Wildlife photography constitutes a wonderful way to present hunting to a sometimes sceptical audience. The diversity of species, so well illustrated in the book, is sustainable thanks to human interaction and to the rational regulation and conservation of their habitats by hunters. This concept is well explained in the book, in the various accompanying texts in English, French and German, and we hope with all our heart that the 736 MEPs will be touched by this book.

The book is published by the German publisher Kosmos: www.kosmos.de/jagd

For more information, please contact FACE Director Public Affairs & Communication, Christine RUPPRECHTER-RÖDLACH

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ATA holds workshop on bowhunting
Although Europe has 7 million hunters, many of its 20,000 bowhunters have to travel outside of their own country to be able to enjoy their “passion”, reported Larry GRIFFITH, chair of the Archery Trade Association (ATA) Board of Directors at its most recent workshop held in Columbus, Ohio. On behalf of FACE, Dr Yves LECOCQ, Secretary-General & Senior Policy Advisor, participated alongside other international representatives in the ATA’s Archery and Bowhunting in Europe workshop. GRIFFITH believes ATA can help nurture bowhunting in Europe while expanding the archery industry’s global market through such initiatives like the recently provided grants to the European Bowhunters Association to support the growth of this activity. The FACE SG/SPA participated not only in the workshop but attended the annual International Reception. This was followed by a meeting between Larry GRIFFITH and the FACE CEO and the Communication Officer in Brussels at the end of January. At this meeting the CEO pointed out that FACE has and will continue to support bowhunting, where it is permitted. It is important that national laws and traditions in relation to bowhunting are respected. FACE will now explore with ATA ways to support those FACE Members in countries where bowhunting is permitted.
Since 1953, ATA has been the trade association for manufacturers, retailers, distributors, sales representatives and others working in the archery and bowhunting industry. ATA is dedicated to increasing participation in archery and bowhunting. ATA owns and manages the ATA Trade Show, the archery and bowhunting industry’s largest and longest running trade show worldwide.

For more information, please contact FACE SG/SPA,Dr Yves LECOCQ

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SCI Convention – Indeed the Ultimate Hunters Market.
The Safari Club International (SCI) Convention, held this year from the 19-23rd of January in Reno, USA, is almost certainly the biggest hunting convention in the world. It is an occasion for hunters from around the world to meet, to see the latest products, learn about hunting worldwide and to shop. But behind the scenes a huge amount of work takes place involving SCI & SCIF (their charitable foundation) volunteers and staff. The meetings and seminars cover every imaginable topic from practical hunting tips to international conservation. The FACE CEO attended as a guest of SCI and took part in a number of meetings including CITES, international affairs & development, and conservation. The range of issues covered are truly global and many of the conservation activities supported are very impressive and appear to make a difference on the ground where they matter. It was also an occasion to meet foreign dignitaries, and included an exchange of views between the FACE CEO and the Zambian Minister of Environment on CITES issues and protected areas including Natura 2000, which was facilitated by SCI.  

For more information, please contact FACE CEO & Director of Conservation, Angus MIDDLETON

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The Berlin Green Week
The Berlin Green Week is the biggest and most well attended food and agriculture event in the world and this year (15-24 January), with 60 ministers of agriculture, over 400,000 visitors and 5,100 journalists from 70 countries, was no exception.  The event focuses not only on food and agriculture but on rural issues and as usual the Deutscher Jagdschutz Verband were present with a large and impressive stand. This, together with the numerous restaurants serving game meat, highlights the broad acceptance of hunting as part of the rural and agricultural landscape. The FACE CEO attended the event and met with the DJV Hauptgeschäftsführer Goddert von Wülfing to discuss a wide range of hunting and conservation issues for 2010. There was a positive exchange of views on lead ammunition with both the DJV and FACE supporting a proactive risk based approach. There was also a discussion regarding 2010 as the International Year for Biodiversity and the DJV will be highlighting events which will be held each month by all the Landesjagdverbande. Finally FACE and the DJV look forward to even closer cooperation with the secondment of Ralph PÜTZ to FACE.

As a side note, it was also encouraging to see a stand offering various kangaroo dishes, whilst not tempted by the Fosters, the FACE CEO enjoyed a good Roo Bratwurst. [See http://www.thepetitionsite.com/94/support-the-kangaroo-harvest ]  

For more information, please contact FACE CEO & Director of Conservation, Angus MIDDLETON

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A new face at FACE
FACE's head office has a new colleague from Germany since the middle of January. Ralf Puetz was sent by the German Hunters Association (DJV) to Brussels for at first six weeks to cooperate with FACE.
The DJV would like to strengthen its presence in Brussels, in cooperation with FACE, to observe the important political developments to hunting in the EU that would affect Germany and be able to react to them in a timely manner. The DJV remains chiefly the contact for German positions.
Ralf has been active for the DJV for ten years. He has, along with others, set up the further education programme for the honorary staff members of the Association as well as training programmes for youths. In addition, he is responsible for the nature and environmental initiative by the German hunters called “Lernort Natur” (“Classroom for Nature”), which was honoured last year as an official project of the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development. In the context of these activities, Ralf has already played a part in several European projects in the areas of hunting and forest pedagogy.

For more information, please contact Ralf PÜTZ

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Plans for the Intergroup progress
During the last hearings of the remaining Commissioner-designates in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, FACE Director Public Affairs & Communication took the opportunity to meet some MEPs from the Bureau of the “Sustainable Hunting” Intergroup. Key points discussed during the working breakfast were the topics for the upcoming Intergroup meetings and the issue of making interpretation available from the administration European Parliament. Thematically, it was agreed to focus on the International Year of Biodiversity, the forthcoming discussions on the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, the economics and methods of hunting, forestry policy and Invasive Alien species. The next meeting of the Intergroup “Sustainable Hunting, Biodiversity, Countryside Activities & Forestry” will be held on 10 March 2010 in the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

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European Countryside Movement
The European Countryside Movement (MER) is an exchange and proposition platform gathering a dozen international NGOs in the fields of agriculture, landownership, hunting, law and tourism (such as FACE, ELO and COPA-COGECA). In connection to the March meeting of the European Commission Advisory Group on Rural Development, MER will organise a Seminar on sustainable economy in rural areas. The objective of the seminar, scheduled for 10 March 2010 and in which FACE will participate alongside the Commission, is to showcase the importance of rural areas and actors in the sustainable economy and for emerging from the financial crisis. The focus will be on competitiveness and growth in the rural sector, while at the same time not losing sight of the environmental contributions made by this important sector to society.

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06 March 2010 - Belgian Hunting license exam