Man plays a critical role in managing the environment and one area that this is particularly true in is sustainable hunting. “Hunters are the guardians of nature and wildlife,” stated George Aman, President of the CIC, underlining the value that conservation hunting brings to wildlife conservation economically, socially, and environmentally.

The attempts of ideologically-motivated opponents of hunting often base their arguments on emotions rather than scientific facts. Hunters represent an educated conservation force on the ground. The 30 million registered hunters in the northern hemisphere (7 million in Europe) are actively engaged in wildlife management and conservation on a daily basis, and partner with professional and voluntary conservation organizations at different levels.

Stopping hunting would have disastrous consequences and a devastating environmental impact. Putting the health of humans and wildlife at risk, disrupting food security, and dramatically increasing human –wildlife conflict are just a few examples of the potential costs.

The International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation and Karl-Heinz Florenz, member of the European Parliament and President of the Intergroup on Biodiversity, Hunting and Countryside, organized a round table discussion in the heart of the European Parliament with the theme “Imagine if we stop hunting”.

Thierry de l’Escaille, Secretary General of the European Landowners’ Organization, Ali A. Kaka, CIC Ambassador to Africa and Wilfried Pabst, owner of Sango in Save Valley Conservancy in Zimbabwe joined Karl-Heinz Florenz to discuss the topic based on their experiences.