Brussels, April 2025 – The International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC) warmly welcomes the recent decision by Member States’ representatives (Coreper) in the European Council, which approved a mandate to revise the protection status of wolves at the EU level. This revision aligns with the updated Bern Convention, proposing to shift wolves from ‘strictly protected’ to ‘protected’. The decision aims to grant Member States increased flexibility to manage wolf populations, fostering coexistence and addressing socio-economic impacts effectively.
The CIC supports this progressive step, recognising it as essential for the balanced and sustainable management of wolf populations, which have nearly doubled over the past decade, resulting in heightened human-wildlife conflicts.
In alignment with these positive developments, the CIC continues its dedicated efforts to support sustainable predator management. Recently, the CIC announced the organisation of a targeted workshop with FAO, IUCN, and the EU Large Carnivore platform in mid-May 2025 in Greece on coexistence strategies within the framework of the 6th Dinaric-Balkan-Pindos Regional Platform on Large Carnivores. This workshop, specifically focusing on predator management in the Caucasus region, exemplifies CIC’s commitment to facilitating coexistence between large carnivores and local communities, aiming to develop models adaptable to diverse ecological and socio-economic conditions.
Moreover, the CIC underscores the need for a more adaptable and responsive approach to large carnivore management across Europe. “Flexibility in managing carnivore populations is vital not only for Europe but as a blueprint for similar wildlife management scenarios globally,” stated Sebastian Winkler, CIC Director General.
In addition, CIC is actively exploring ways to strengthen collaboration and establish working relations with key conservation actors such as the Caucasus Nature Fund. By building strong regional partnerships, the CIC aims to reinforce sustainable wildlife management initiatives further.
The CIC encourages its members to continue their valuable contributions to sustainable wildlife management and predator coexistence efforts, highlighting successful case studies and sharing best practices across its extensive global network.
Media Contact:
Tristan Breijer MBA FRGS FRSA MCIJ
Director of Communications and Public Affairs
International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC)
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: +44 781 408 7423
Website: www.cic-wildlife.org
