New initiatives on hunting
On 7 June, MEP Juan Ignacio Zoido (EPP, Spain) hosted a high-level event in the European Parliament focusing on themes of sustainable hunting and conservation in Europe, focusing the discussion on their role in a number of important EU policy developments. Focal points included new initiatives covering sustainable bird hunting, habitat restoration and protected area management. The event aimed to promote an inclusive dialogue on the future of wildlife conservation and the effective implementation of the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030. Speakers discussed the challenges and opportunities related to the implementation of the new environmental policies of the EU and highlighted the benefits of active habitat conservation. Particular attention was paid to the role of sustainable practices in achieving the conservation objectives set by Europe.
Zoido's words
MEP Juan Ignacio Zoido (EPP, Spain) said: “As a politician and a hunter, I am delighted to see that there are so many of us sharing such a noble goal: to preserve nature and contribute to rural society and the economy. Nature conservation goes hand in hand with sustainability, and this is always based on three areas: environmental, social and economic. Hunting is a clear example of this sustainable balance. Many forget the vital role that hunters play in the conservation of the rural world. Due to the migration from the countryside to the cities, our countryside has been abandoned. And it is hunters, together with farmers and landowners, who invest time and money in the care of the landscape and its biodiversity". Andrea Vettori, Head of Unit, Nature Conservation, Directorate-General for Environment, European Commission, said: “I very much appreciate the public support from FACE and the hunting community for the Commission's proposal on the Law for the Restoration of Nature. We need to restore biodiversity and improve the resilience of ecosystems, to the benefit of our countryside. I am convinced that there is no better incentive for hunters to engage in conservation work than by recognizing that this will improve the status of huntable species.'
Biodiversity strategy
Szabolcs Nagy, Biodiversity Manager at Wetlands International-European Association, said: “The EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 offers the best offer for nature lovers, including hunters and fishermen, to recover nature, including hunted species. The European Parliament and the Council should adopt an ambitious law on nature restoration that is up to the challenges of biodiversity and climate". Manuel Gallardo, President of the Royal Spanish Hunting Federation, said: "We ask the European Commission to ensure that all data processed is objective and official. There are problems when data are provided by subjects who oppose hunting activities and these data are also much questioned by the scientific community. We also underline the need to work on projects that ensure rural sustainability and that hunting is recognized as having a fundamental role in the conservation of both huntable and protected wildlife".
Involvement of hunters
Michele Sorrenti, Scientific Coordinator of the Studies and Research Office of the Italian Hunting Federation, explained that hunting is closely linked to the conservation of biodiversity. He gave examples from Europe, particularly Italy, where hunters have been active in restoring wetlands. He pointed out that these efforts have resulted in increased waterfowl populations compared to other areas where there is no hunter involvement: “Wetlands require active maintenance and attention and hunters have demonstrated their commitment at their expense by working diligently on this point. Furthermore, Federcaccia invests hundreds of thousands of euros in research on various bird species, with the result of scientific publications that contribute to public knowledge. The hunters call on the Government to better recognize and appreciate their role in this important work. In particular, the hunting community urges the European and national institutions to involve it in the new Law on the Restoration of Nature". The event was moderated by David Scallan, Secretary General of FACE, who also hosted an extensive Q&A discussion (source: FIDC).
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