The second day of the 71st General Assembly of the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC) took place on 26 April 2025 in Doha, Qatar. The morning was dedicated to falconry—a UNESCO-recognised Intangible Cultural Heritage and a compelling example of culture-led conservation. In the afternoon, CIC members convened for their statutory General Assembly—the world’s largest democratic gathering on sustainable use and hunting—bringing together governments, national associations, and individuals to vote on CIC’s direction, adopt resolutions, and approve key priorities.
Held under the overarching theme of “Mediation,” the day explored how falconry connects communities, ecosystems, and traditions across continents. Originating as a form of hunting, falconry today represents not only living heritage, but also diplomacy in action—facing many of the same challenges as hunting in conveying its conservation value to the public.
Falconry as a Bridge Between Worlds
The morning opened with remarks by Dr. Antje Katrin Bednarek, followed by a keynote address from Mark Upton, President of the International Association for Falconry (IAF).
“Falconry teaches us how to live with nature, not apart from it. In a divided world, it offers continuity, respect, and shared responsibility,” said Upton, recalling how the IAF and CIC worked together more than a decade ago to secure falconry’s recognition by UNESCO.
His remarks were echoed by Yousuf Ibrahim Al Hamar, Director of Wildlife Development at Qatar’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, and H.E. Majed Ali Al Mansoori, representing the Emirates Falconers’ Club. Both emphasised the Gulf’s global leadership in preserving falconry and using it as a tool for public engagement in species and habitat conservation.
A highlight of the session was the signing of a renewed Memorandum of Understanding between the CIC and the Emirates Falconers’ Club—charting a course for greater collaboration across regions and sectors.
Integrating Tradition into Conservation Policy
Presentations by Dr. Francis Buner (CIC Applied Science Division) and Dr. Dominik Fischer (European Association of Avian Veterinarians) showcased how falconers, scientists, and veterinarians work together to conserve prey species, monitor bird health, and address zoonotic risk—positioning falconry within wider “One Health” and biodiversity frameworks.
A panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Bednarek and featuring Upton, Fischer, Buner, and Daniela Fanzoj (Johann Fanzoj Gunmakers), reflected on the morning’s themes. The audience engaged actively on topics ranging from cultural resilience to education and the role of craftsmanship in preserving tradition. The panel called for stronger collaboration between the hunting and falconry communities to counter shared challenges and misconceptions.
“Falconry is not only a legacy—it is a living expression of harmony between humans and nature,” Dr. Bednarek noted. “Today, in Doha, it has become a platform for dialogue and diplomacy.”
The session concluded with a live falconry demonstration by the Al-Gannas Qatari Society, offering delegates a first-hand look at the skills and values being passed to the next generation.
CIC General Assembly: Strategic Direction and Global Engagement
In the afternoon, CIC members gathered in closed session to review progress and set the organisation’s future course. Presidents of Divisions and Working Groups reported on 2024 achievements and outlined their 2025 priorities. CIC Treasurer David Plaz and Auditors Natalia van Endert Mensdorff-Pouilly and Alexander Stärker presented financial reports. Wilfried Pabst, CIC Member and Advisor, together with Stephan Wünderlich, Policy Officer, and Tristan Breijer, CIC Director of Communications and Public, shared an update on the establishment of the Global Wildlife Foundation (Club 200), their advocacy and media efforts so far, as well as the groups ambition to propel CIC into the future.
Members adopted two important resolutions:
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Promoting the Wildlife-Based Economy, in support of Targets 5 and 9 of the Global Biodiversity Framework.
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Reaffirming CIC’s Commitment to Falconry, as a tool for conservation, education, and cultural diplomacy.
They also approved a new CIC Position on International Hunting, prepared by the German Delegation.
Notably, members voted to update the CIC Statutes to allow sub-national authorities (such as provinces and regions) and private enterprises to join the CIC. This historic step was marked by the announcement that Alberta, Canada had become the first sub-national government to join. Alberta’s Minister for Forests and Parks, Todd Loewen, addressed the Assembly, thanking members for their confidence. Matt Besko, Alberta’s Director for Wildlife, presented an overview of conservation and hunting policy in the province.
Celebrating Conservation Leadership
The day concluded with the CIC Awards Ceremony, honouring members who have served for 25 and 50 years. The prestigious Francois Edmond-Blanc Award was presented to De Hoge Veluwe National Park (Netherlands).
Diplomas of Recognition were awarded to:
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NAPHA’s School for Conservation for its Black Rhinoceros Custodianship Programme (Namibia)
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Bakony-Vad Hunting Ground for its Fallow Deer Management Programme (Hungary)
The Young Opinion Award was presented to Anastasiia Matvienko for her research on human-wildlife conflict in central Ukraine amid war and hunting restrictions. The CIC Photo Prize, themed around falconry, was also awarded (recipient TBC).
CIC President Dr. Philipp Harmer formally closed the 71st General Assembly by thanking the host country, the Qatar National Delegation, and all participants for “elevating culture within global conservation dialogue through mediation exemplified by falconry.”
Media Contact:
Tristan Breijer MBA FRGS FRSA MCIJ
Director of Communications and Public Affairs
CIC – International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation
📧 [email protected]
📱 +44 781 408 7423
🌐 www.cic-wildlife.org
