The International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC) took part in the Meeting of EU Hunting Directors, hosted by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions, and Water Management of Austria at the Forestry Education Centre in Traunkirchen on 2–3 September 2025. The event brought together senior representatives from ministries, associations and international organisations to discuss wildlife management and hunting policy across Europe.
The programme opened with greetings from Mrs. Elfriede Moser, Section Chief at the Ministry, and Dr. Johannes Schima, who highlighted the links between Austrian forestry, biodiversity, and hunting. Baron Franz Mayr-Melnhof, President of Jagd Österreich, provided an overview of hunting traditions in Austria and their role in managing forests and game populations.
Representing the CIC, Deputy Director General Arno Wimpffen introduced the organisation and outlined its programme of work going forward. He spoke on CIC’s engagement with the Global Biodiversity Framework, ongoing scientific initiatives, and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities. His remarks placed CIC’s international agenda into the context of European discussions.
CIC President Dr. Philipp Harmer attended the concluding dinner, which was sponsored by the CIC, underlining the organisation’s commitment to engaging directly with European policymakers.
The meeting included a policy update from FACE Secretary General David Scallan, who addressed EU-level issues such as recommendations on bird hunting, the proposed regulation on animal welfare, and the REACH restrictions on lead in ammunition. Broader discussions centred on the Bird Directive, crop damage from wild boar and migratory birds, the use of digital tools in wildlife management, and the forthcoming Nature Restoration Law requiring Member States to prepare national restoration plans by August 2026.
During the gathering, the CIC also liaised with a number of its State Members in attendance, aligning national priorities with its wider international work. The meeting highlighted the importance of cooperation between governments, hunting associations and international organisations in advancing sustainable wildlife management across Europe.
Media Contact:
Tristan Breijer MBA FRGS FRSA MCIJ
Director of Communications and Public Affairs
CIC – International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation
Email: tristan.breijer@cic-wildlife.org
Mobile: +44 781 408 7423
Website: www.cic-wildlife.org
