Dortmund, Germany | January 2026

The International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC) played a central convening role at JAGD & HUND 2026 (CIC Platinum Sponsor), facilitating direct dialogue between African wildlife range states and European stakeholders on conservation, sustainable use and wildlife governance.

At the invitation of the CIC and its German Delegation, a high-level delegation from Southern Africa attended the fair, led by Wynter Boipuso Mmolotsi, Minister of Environment and Tourism of Botswana, accompanied by John-Thomas Dipowe, Ambassador of Botswana to Germany. Delegations from Zimbabwe and Namibia also participated, reinforcing JAGD & HUND’s role as a credible platform for international wildlife policy exchange.

For the CIC, the presence of African range states reflects its long-standing mandate to connect those responsible for managing wildlife on the ground with European policymakers, media and civil society. As an international organisation active in multilateral environmental agreements, the CIC has consistently emphasised that conservation debates must include the voices of countries and communities that live with wildlife.

Botswana continues to pursue a science-based wildlife policy that integrates regulated hunting and fishing alongside photographic tourism. These approaches form part of a national wildlife economy that supports habitat management, rural livelihoods, food security, and coexistence between people and wildlife.

Throughout the fair, the CIC coordinated a joint information stand in Hall 7, enabling visitors to engage directly with Southern African government representatives and partner organisations on wildlife governance, community-based conservation and sustainable use.

Africa Evening: CIC-led platform for African expertise

A focal point of the programme was the Africa Evening, held on 28 January 2026 under the title “Game Meat Worldwide – Conservation from the Frying Pan”. The event was conceived and convened by the CIC through its German Delegation and CIC Young Opinion Germany, in cooperation with Messe Dortmund. Botswana participated as official partner country, with friendly support from Hunt & Travel GmbH.

Opening remarks were delivered by Steffen Koch, Head of the German CIC Delegation, alongside Minister Mmolotsi. The CIC-curated panel brought together senior African wildlife authorities and professional representatives, including Moemi Batshabang of Botswana’s Department of Wildlife and Isaac Theophilus of the Botswana Wildlife Producers Association; Rose Mandisorza, Chief Terrestrial Ecologist at Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, and Yoyce Chapungu, Deputy Director at Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife; as well as Harm Woortman, Vice President of the Namibia Professional Hunting Association, and Alexander Rogel, Member of its Executive Committee.

Moderation was provided by Philip Karbus and Helena Gräfin von Hardenberg, Editor-in-Chief of Niedersächsischer Jäger. Discussions focused on the gap between European public narratives and Southern African realities, national sovereignty and international law, community-based natural resource management, conservation financing, food security and practical approaches to reducing human–wildlife conflict, particularly involving elephants.

A consistent message emerged that closely reflects the CIC’s role and mandate: debates on hunting and conservation must be informed by those countries and communities living with wildlife, and grounded in evidence, experience and dialogue.

Complementing the discussion, a live WildFood presentation showcased African-inspired dishes prepared using high-quality German game meat, highlighting the link between sustainable harvesting, nutrition and cultural tradition.

The Africa Evening welcomed more than 200 participants, including members of CIC Young Opinion from across Europe and Africa, underlining the CIC’s commitment to international and intergenerational exchange.

Ministerial engagement and media dialogue

In addition to the Africa Evening, the CIC supported Minister Mmolotsi’s participation in the official opening ceremony of JAGD & HUND 2026 and a dedicated panel discussion organised with Messe Dortmund on the role of hunting in Southern Africa. The CIC also facilitated media access, including participation in the official JAGD & HUND press conference.

The CIC views its role at JAGD & HUND 2026 as emblematic of its wider mission: serving as a neutral international platform that brings together governments, practitioners, scientists and civil society to ensure that conservation discussions remain informed, balanced and connected to realities on the ground.

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