Awardees: “Gredos Game Reserve” in Spain. The Edmond Blanc Diploma was given to the “Slovenia Forest Service”.

The Gredos

It is now a tradition that the prestigious Edmond Blanc Prizes are given at the Closing Session of the yearly CIC General Assemblies, as it was at the 56th occasion, on 2 May in Paris, France. The jury, chaired by Honorary CIC President, Dr. Nicolas Franco, honoured the “Gredos Game Reserve” for their efforts in game conservation. The origins of the reserve date back to 1903, when one of the pioneers of Spanish mountaineering, Manuel González de Amezúa, visited the at that time almost unknown Sierra de Gredos and discovered its wildlife, which was decimated by local hunters who had no desire for conservation.

King Alfonso XIII, grandfather of the present King, who was a hunter, and with the support of Mr. de Amezúa decided to take the initiative to save the extremely low numbers of Spanish Ibex from extinction. This led to the creation of the Gredos Royal Game Preserve, with game wardens and resources to guard it the costs of which were met by the Royal Household.

Thanks to the conservation efforts and reintroductions, the numbers of around 10 specimens in 1903 grew to more than 5000 in recent years.

The centenary of the creation of the Royal Game Preserve was held in 2006. This is much more than a celebration of 100 years of existence. It is a confirmation of saving a species which was in danger of extinction. The significant income for land owners makes sustainable hunting a fundamental tool in the preservation of biodiversity.

Slovenia Forest Service

Slovenia Forest Service is a public forestry service, set up by the Republic of Slovenia, and covers a total area of over 200.000 ha, which represents about 10 % of the total area of Slovenia. The Service directs the development of all forests in Slovenia, regardless of ownership.

The main mission of Slovenia Forest Service on the basis of the Forestry Act is: (i) Sustainable and multipurpose management in accordance with the principles of environmental protection and natural values; (ii) Permanent and optimal functioning of forests as ecosystems; (iii) Implementation of all forest functions (ecological, social and economical) on a permanent basis.

In the field of game management, Slovenia Forest Service has the central role in preparing strategic hunting management plans. It also comprises 10 state hunting reserves with special purposes, such as the sustainable management of wild game, protection of rare and endangered animal species, support to scientific research and the organisation of hunting tourism.

The specialty of Slovenia are the brown bears (Ursus arctos L.), which have been used for reintroduction in many European countries (Italy, Austria, France), especially in the Alpine regions.

Photos of the award ceremony are available upon request.