Beijing, 30 September 2025 – A high-level CIC delegation led by President Dr Philipp Harmer, Director General Arno Wimpffen, and Presidential Advisor Wilfried Pabst completed a mission to China aimed at enhancing cooperation on wildlife management and sustainable use. The visit was organised by Lu Lammel-Rath, CIC Member of the Chinese Delegation.
The delegation included Prof Dr Klaus Hackländer, President of the CIC Applied Science Division, bringing expertise on wild boar population dynamics; Treasurer David Plaz and Georg von Tscharner, specialists in game meat trade; journalist Dr Maria Harmer, as well as Hans Martin Lösch and Stephanie Freifrau von Dellingshausen, representing Gut Grambow, one of Germany’s most prestigious hunting schools.
Strengthening Dialogue on Wildlife Management
Meetings were held with the National Forestry and Grassland Administration (NFGA) and the Chinese Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA), a CIC member since 2018. Discussions focused on China’s growing human-wildlife conflicts, especially crop damage caused by an estimated two million wild boar. The issue is compounded by strict firearm regulations, limited hunting knowledge, and a cultural belief that wildlife should not be harmed. Hunting remains an unorganised activity, and the consumption of wild meat is prohibited.
At present, 912 crop protection teams, comprising about 10,000 farmers and volunteers, are responsible for wild boar control. Around 75% of animals are killed using spears, knives, or traps, 15% through caging, and 10% with other means, including drone-assisted methods. Since 2023, wild boars have been removed from China’s restricted hunting list, and no special permits are required for their control.
Chinese authorities expressed hope that the CIC could assist by educating the public, providing advice based on international best practices, and delivering scientific input to support population management.
Expanding Cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture
On the second day, the CIC delegation met with the Ministry of Agriculture, which expressed a strong interest in animal welfare standards and the potential role of game meat in sustainable food systems. The discussion underscored opportunities for scientific collaboration and knowledge exchange, particularly on meat safety, traceability, and sustainable sourcing.
Future Collaboration
The CIC will invite a Chinese delegation to the General Assembly in Vienna in April 2026, with plans to establish further cooperation through training programmes and joint research. A specialised training course in Germany is being considered for Chinese wildlife managers, offering practical insights into European hunting ethics, population control, and education materials.
Both sides also agreed to explore cooperation at upcoming international Conferences of the Parties (CoPs) under multilateral environmental agreements and to continue dialogue on the importation and certification of game meat.
“China’s interest in sustainable use and wildlife management creates important opportunities for collaboration,” said Arno Wimpffen, CIC Director General. “Through shared science, education, and capacity building, we can contribute to coexistence between people and wildlife.”
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
