Home » News & Press » CIC President Highlights Hungary’s Conservation Achievements at FeHoVa 2025
Budapest, Hungary – 6 February 2025 – Dr. Philipp Harmer, President of the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC), delivered a speech at FeHoVa 2025, Central Europe’s premier hunting, fishing, and outdoor exhibition, where he expressed deep appreciation for Hungary’s contributions to hunting and conservation.
Dr. Harmer highlighted Hungary’s strong legislative framework and its recognition of hunting as an essential tool for conservation and rural development. He noted that Hungarian leaders, led by Deputy Prime Minister, and Patron of the CIC, Dr. Zsolt Semjén, continue to keep hunting on the national and EU agenda, ensuring that policies reflect its role in biodiversity protection and sustainable game management.
(from left) István Nagy – Hungarian Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Zsolt Semjén – Deputy Prime Minister of Hungary and Patron of the CIC, with CIC President Dr. Philipp Harmer
He also congratulated Zoltán Kovács, state secretary and CIC head of the Hungarian delegation, on recently being awarded the SCI International Legislator of the Year in Nashville. He emphasised that Kovács’ recognition by Safari Club International (SCI) was not only a personal achievement but also a testament to Hungary’s leadership in shaping global hunting policies.
He also recalled the Hunting Directors’ Meeting hosted by Hungary during its EU Presidency in Vásárosnamény from September 24–27, 2024, crediting the country’s hospitality and commitment to hunting for fostering a productive atmosphere. This was particularly evident at the CIC luncheon with the EU Hunting Directors held at the Hungarian Parliament, where international delegates gathered to discuss the future of sustainable hunting.
Zoltán Kovács, State Secretary of Hungary and CIC Head of the Hungarian Delegation
Harmer also acknowledged Hungary as the host country of the CIC, recognising its central role in global hunting governance and the strong relationship between Hungary and the international hunting community.
A key example of Hungary’s successful wildlife management policies is the recent record-breaking Hungarian fallow buck, a testament to the country’s well-regulated game management system. Harmer noted that such achievements are not coincidental but the result of careful stewardship and effective legislation that support biodiversity conservation.
CIC President Dr. Philipp Harmer with (from left), Bendeguz Padanyi – CIC Executive Secretary, Dr. Kristóf Hecker – Science & Governance Coordinator, Polina Gromova – Membership Officer & Auction Coordinator, Rienk Schootstra – CIC Policy Intern, and Thomas Paulic – CIC Project Coordinator
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Tristan Breijer MBA FRGS FRSA MCIJ
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CIC – International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation
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