An exceptional achievement
For the first time in history, the European hunting community has launched a large-scale petition, the SignforHunting campaign. This initiative has seen hunters carry out one of the largest environmental campaigns in Brussels, which includes a clear appeal in support of the proposed EU nature restoration law. During EU Green Week 2023, in an unprecedented move, the European Federation for Hunting and Conservation (FACE) delivered 360.000 signatures to Environment Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius. The campaign is a call to lawmakers to work with us to better recognize the contribution that hunters make and are part of the solution. This invitation should also be seen as a strong offer of support to the European institutions, as well as a call for policy change.
A victory for hunters and more
“We are thrilled to see such a massive mobilization of European hunters,” said Torbjörn Larsson, president of FACE. “This is not only a huge win for hunters, but also for nature and conservation efforts across Europe. It is also a testament to the power of our diverse community, who typically do not sign petitions, and European national hunting associations, and their commitment to the conservation of our natural and cultural heritage." Environment Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius said: “I am delighted with the opportunity to officially receive the signatures of FACE's petition on nature conservation. Many of the requests contained in your petition demonstrate our common concern and determination to successfully meet the challenge of halting and reversing the dramatic loss of biodiversity this decade. We are counting on FACE to support our current policies and legislative proposals, especially on nature restoration."
A collective voice
The SignforHunting campaign strengthens the role of hunters as stewards of the environment, thus representing a crucial step in achieving the objectives of the Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. The collected signatures highlight the collective voice of European hunters, their position for sustainable hunting and their commitment to the conservation and promotion of the important cultural heritage of hunting. The campaign also reflects FACE's broad support for the critical nature restoration bill. FACE used this occasion to issue a strong statement to the European Parliament, a reminder to politicians that hunters are active participants in the conservation and restoration of the environment. This not only demonstrates the unity and determination of the hunting community, but also underscores the collective commitment to 'Bring Back Nature', the campaign's central demand. “This is a historic day for European hunters, and indeed for all of Europe,” concluded Larsson. “We are confident that this successful campaign will continue to encourage dialogue and foster cooperation between all stakeholders to shape a future where nature conservation and sustainable hunting go hand in hand.” FACE thanks everyone who supported the campaign and welcomes the fact that so many hunters are behind our main political demand, which is for lawmakers to work with us (source: FACE).
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