On September 19, in the framework of the 60 year anniversary of the Russian Association of Hunters and Fishermen, a conference, entitled “Hunting – A branch of the economy?” was organised in Moscow, Russia.

Representatives of the CIC and delegations of hunting associations from 11 countries (Armenia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Russia, Slovakia and Switzerland) participated at the conference.

The aim of the conference was to discuss the role of hunting, and sustainable use of wildlife in the economies, in respect to the fact that not only does hunting traditionally play an important role in the economy, but an organised hunting economy is an effective instrument for the preservation of wildlife and its habitat.

The meeting also centered around the subject of African Swine Fever, its prevention, and the actions, which should be taken. Furthermore, the participants discussed how the traditional form of education of hunters could be improved in the future.

The delegates stressed the need for effective information sharing, education for hunters, and crisis management (fight against African Swine Fever).