One Health, the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and IPLCs: A New Era for the CIC
Within the framework of the 68th General Assembly, the CIC approved and adopted its new Statutes, ushering in a new era for the organisation and the wider world of conservation.
Historically, the CIC has always championed biodiversity by supporting its conservation through sustainable use.
In supporting the needs of hunting, as well as the benefits it generates for larger society, the organisation has been able to contribute towards conservation and the improvement of livelihoods in all areas of the world.
In recent years, however, the scale of global sustainable development issues – not just those related biodiversity – has resulted in a need for new multi-faceted approaches if we are to build a more sustainable and equitable future.
That is why the CIC has committed to working on the following three work areas and issues as part of the new CIC Statutes.
- “One Health”
- UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration
- Indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs)
By adopting these elements into the core functions of the CIC, we have committed to working towards a new future in collaboration with like-minded individuals, organisations and entities.
“One Health”, the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and IPLCs will be deeply ingrained into all elements of the CIC’s work going forwards. To give you some insight into what we will have in store, we have provided summaries of these three topics below.
“One Health”
“One Health” is an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimise the health of people, animals and ecosystems. It recognises that the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the wider environment are closely linked and inter-dependent. The emergence of zoonoses and their impact on the world, as demonstrated by COVID-19, serves as one glaring example of this.
With this in mind, the CIC will be looking to mobilise and work with multiple sectors and communities in order to tackle the most pressing sustainable development issues in a streamlined and effective manner.
UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration
The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration is an initiative running between 2021 – 2030 which aims to prevent, halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems on every continent and ocean. In addressing ecosystem health, we are also helping to end poverty, combat climate change and prevent a mass extinction.
Hunters are already engaged in ecosystem management and restoration, efforts which will need to be increased in support of the UN Decade. The 2022 CIC Wildlife Photo Prize was held in support of the initiative, as part of an effort to raise awareness and support for ongoing ecosystem restoration actions.
Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs)
We are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of indigenous and local knowledge in biodiversity conservation. Not only do IPLCs live amongst and sustainably use natural resources to support their livelihoods, they are also the frontline workers in protecting and restoring our natural spaces. Environmental conventions such as CBD and IUCN have realised this and are now placing a greater emphasis on IPLCs throughout their values and activities.
In recent years, the CIC has been working to give a voice to IPLCs, supporting their right to sustainably manage and use their natural resources, while facilitating their inclusion in all levels of environmental decision-making.
