Vienna, 18 April 2026
The 72nd General Assembly of the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC) concluded today in Vienna with the election of Luis de la Peña as President and the adoption of a landmark resolution on the Wildlife Economy, setting the strategic direction for the organisation in the years ahead.
The Assembly followed a highly successful conference day, which brought together more than 650 participants, including ministers, diplomats, policymakers, scientists, and conservation leaders from across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Discussions focused on how conservation can be effectively integrated with land use, agriculture, and rural economies, placing the concept of the wildlife economy at the centre of international debate.
On Saturday, members convened for the statutory General Assembly, reviewing reports from the President, Director General, divisions, and working groups, and reaffirming the CIC’s role as a global platform linking policy, science, and practical conservation.
His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain conveyed a message to the Assembly, congratulating the General Assembly and its members.
Outgoing President Dr. Philipp Harmer, completing two full terms, reflected on the organisation’s development:
“It has been a privilege to serve the CIC over these past years. During this time, the team has strengthened our international standing, expanded its global network, and reaffirmed that conservation and sustainable use must go hand in hand. I leave this office with confidence in the future of the organisation. I am particularly pleased that the Assembly has entrusted this responsibility to Luis, I have full confidence in him as a committed conservationist and a passionate hunter.”
Members then elected Luis de la Peña as the new President of the CIC. A Spanish lawyer, long-standing member of the Executive Committee, former Head of the Spanish Delegation and Deputy President, he is widely recognised within the organisation as both a committed conservationist and a passionate hunter, with a strong understanding of the link between policy, practice, and tradition.
In his acceptance remarks, he emphasised continuity and responsibility:
“I take on this responsibility with motivation and enthusiasm. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Philipp for his leadership and dedication over the past years, which have strengthened the CIC and its international standing. The strength of the CIC lies in its people and its shared commitment to conservation. We must continue to build solutions that are realistic, responsible, and rooted in the landscapes and communities we serve.”
A central outcome of the Assembly was the adoption of the CIC Resolution on Advancing the Wildlife Economy through Sustainable Use, presented as the key policy outcome of the Vienna meeting. The resolution calls on governments and international institutions to recognise wildlife-based economies as a core tool for conservation, rural development, and biodiversity protection.
It reaffirms a central principle of the CIC:
“The CIC reiterates that conservation and use are not opposing concepts, but mutually reinforcing pillars. A strong wildlife economy ensures that wildlife retains its ecological, cultural and economic value, securing its future for generations to come.”
The resolution further urges policymakers to strengthen science-based management, support sustainable use frameworks, and avoid non-evidence-based restrictions that undermine conservation outcomes. Please see the full text of the resolution adopted here.
The General Assembly also recognised outstanding contributions to conservation and culture through its highest distinctions. The Golden Merit, the CIC’s highest honour, was awarded to Iñigo Moreno de Arteaga, Marquess de Laserna, long-standing Head of the Spanish Delegation and historian, to Count Károlyi for distinguished service, and to Dr. Philipp Harmer in recognition of his leadership, as he transitions to the role of Honorary President. The Hunting in Art Prize was awarded to Austrian artist Prof. Hubert Weidinger.
The Assembly concludes this evening with the Gala Dinner and International Hunting Auction, bringing the Vienna gathering to a close and reinforcing the CIC’s role as a leading international platform for cooperation on conservation, sustainable use, and wildlife policy.
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
