Copenhagen, Denmark | 4–5 February 2026
The International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC) convened its Nordic and Baltic Coordination Forum in Copenhagen on 4 and 5 February 2026, bringing together national delegations to exchange experiences, align positions, and strengthen regional cooperation on key issues related to sustainable wildlife management.
The meeting was attended by representatives from Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Lithuania, alongside CIC Director General Arno Wimpffen. The Forum once again underlined the value of structured regional coordination within the CIC, providing a trusted space for frank discussion and the sharing of best practice.
Coordination and continuity
During the meeting, Mikael Antell announced that he will step down from his coordinating role within the Forum. Count Dr. Torsten Mörner will assume this responsibility, supported by Ramute Juknytė as Deputy. Participants agreed to continue their coordination during the forthcoming CIC General Assembly, with a dedicated lunch meeting scheduled.
Wild game meat and public acceptance
The first day of discussions focused on wild game meat and its growing relevance in contemporary society. Participants observed a clear increase in interest, initially driven by high-end gastronomy and now steadily reaching a broader public audience.
Delegations highlighted the strong arguments in favour of wild game meat, including its high-quality protein content, low fat levels, comparatively low carbon footprint, and the absence of industrial animal farming. The Forum agreed that game meat plays an important role in improving public understanding and acceptance of hunting as part of sustainable wildlife management.
As a concrete follow-up, the CIC will compile an overview of game meat restaurants across national delegations, showcasing good practice and supporting positive communication around sustainable use.
Large carnivores: national perspectives
The second day was dedicated to large carnivore management, with updates illustrating the diversity of national approaches across the Nordic and Baltic region.
In Denmark, the first wolf was recently harvested, with a population of around 100 wolves not considered problematic by hunters. Legal provisions allow lethal control when hunting dogs are attacked or when wolves enter wolf-proof fenced areas. Estonia reported a long-standing management plan allowing the harvest of approximately 200 wolves per year.
Sweden outlined ongoing legal challenges, following a proposed reduction of the favourable reference population from 300 to 170 wolves, which was halted by the courts. The current population is estimated at around 350 animals. Finland reported a favourable reference population of 273 wolves, with 81 harvested so far in 2026, alongside persistent challenges related to court interventions and wolf-dog hybrids.
Lithuania reported the legal hunting of wolves, lynx, and bear, noting that in 2025 a total of 307 wolves were harvested from an estimated population of around 1,000, against a favourable reference population of 250.
Across all countries, participants emphasised the increasing role of judicial processes in wildlife management and the importance of maintaining science-based, socially legitimate frameworks.
Looking ahead
The Copenhagen meeting reaffirmed the importance of regional coordination within the CIC and demonstrated the shared commitment of Nordic and Baltic delegations to responsible, science-led wildlife management. Outcomes from the Forum will feed into ongoing discussions and coordination at the upcoming CIC General Assembly.
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
