The Policy and Law Division (PLD) addresses the political, administrative, and legal aspects of hunting and wildlife conservation. Its goal is to integrate the latest scientific findings into the development of policies concerning hunting laws, firearms regulations, ammunition, wildlife trade, and poaching. Additionally, the PLD coordinates the contributions of the CIC to Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) and actively supports the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). As an intergovernmental observer, the CIC plays a significant role in various UN processes by offering its expertise.
Key Engagements:
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
The CIC Policy and Law Division attends all relevant CITES meetings to represent the interests of CIC members through promoting sustainable harvest and trade of wildlife species. It frequently organises press conferences, side events and networking opportunities which bring together international experts and government representatives to highlight solutions to some of the most urgent challenges. The PLD closely monitors topics which include the involvement of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in CITES decision-making processes, One Health, Livelihoods, Strategic vision of CITES and other issues that are instrumental to the effective implementation of the Convention.
Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD)
The CIC has been a longstanding advocate for the integration of sustainable use into global conservation efforts, actively contributing to the work of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and its initiatives.
In 2008, the CIC established the Markhor Award, a prestigious recognition for globally significant projects that link the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity with human livelihoods. This award underscores the importance of sustainable use as a tool for achieving biodiversity goals. For over 16 years, the Markhor Award has been presented in collaboration with the CBD during its Conference of the Parties (COP), together with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). From 2024, the Wild Sheep Foundation has joined as a partner, further enhancing the award’s visibility and impact.
The CIC played a pivotal role in founding the Collaborative Partnership on Sustainable Wildlife Management (CPW), a coalition of 14 international organisations that leads global efforts on sustainable use and conservation. This partnership assists countries in developing and implementing effective wildlife and habitat management practices that align with CBD objectives, ensuring biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods go hand in hand.
The CIC’s Policy and Law Division (PLD) was instrumental in shaping the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), adopted in December 2022 during CBD COP 15. The framework embeds sustainable use into its targets, particularly through goals addressing species conservation, ecosystem restoration, and community involvement. Since its adoption, the PLD has been actively supporting countries in implementing GBF targets, offering technical and policy expertise to promote sustainable wildlife management and conservation strategies within their National Biodiversity Action Plans.
Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)
The Division actively contributes its technical expertise to the Convention and its various agreements, including the African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement (AEWA). The PLD provides the AEWA Scientific Committee with the latest scientific data, which helps in the development of National Species Action Plans. Additionally, the CIC chairs a working group within the AEWA Technical Committee and plays an active role in coordinating the Committee’s implementation efforts.
Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance
The CIC was one of the founding members of the Ramsar Convention and continues to provide valuable scientific data on wildlife, habitats, and changes in ecosystems. The PLD plays a crucial role in advising the convention on issues related to the wise use and sustainable management of wetland habitats. Additionally, the division was actively involved in drafting the Convention’s Strategic Plan.
Bern Convention
The PLD oversees key issues essential for the effective implementation of the Convention and participates in technical working groups responsible for the 2030 strategic plan. The division actively monitors discussions about large carnivores and wildlife management in protected areas.