The International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC) and the European Federation for Hunting and Conservation (FACE) held their first official meeting under their newly elected presidents in Madrid on 31 August 2026.
The meeting brought together CIC President Luis de la Peña and Director General Arno Wimpffen, alongside FACE President Dr. Laurens Hoedemaker and Secretary General Dr. David Scallan. Held in a cordial and constructive atmosphere, the meeting reaffirmed the organisations’ shared commitment to strengthening cooperation on issues affecting sustainable hunting and wildlife conservation across Europe.
Both organisations agreed to continue their close collaboration and to develop joint activities on areas of common interest. Potential areas of cooperation include providing advice on new hunting regulations in European states and regions, addressing the use of sound moderators for hunting firearms in countries where they remain prohibited, and supporting actions focused on the conservation of small game species.
Strengthening cooperation and communication
The meeting also highlighted the importance of closer coordination on communication. CIC and FACE agreed to proactively inform one another about relevent communication topics and, where appropriate, reinforce each other’s messaging and outreach.
Cooperation in Brussels will also be strengthened under the organisations’ existing Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC), including through greater coordination of communication strategies and joint engagement on relevant European policy discussions.
As part of the strengthened partnership, a CIC Desk within FACE’s Brussels office will be established. The new arrangement will provide an opportunity for closer cooperation and facilitate coordination between the two organisations on relevent European-level policy.
Looking ahead to 2027
The meeting also set the stage for continued collaboration at upcoming major events. CIC will participate in the FACE Assembly, while FACE will participate in the CIC 73rd General Assembly in Hamburg in April 2027, which will bring together stakeholders from across the international conservation and hunting community.
The Madrid meeting marks an important step in further strengthening the relationship between CIC and FACE. With a shared commitment to sustainable hunting, conservation and constructive engagement at European level, both organisations look forward to working together on common priorities and initiatives in the years ahead.
