The International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC) is a non-profit, international NGO that advocates for wildlife conservation through the sustainable use of natural resources
Among the oldest environmental organisations in the world, having been founded in Paris back in 1930, the CIC works to support biodiversity and wildlife conservation, as well as wider sustainable development goals.
The CIC engages in projects, communications campaigns, policy development, scientific endeavours and cultural events to achieve its mission and vision.
The organisation currently represents twenty-seven government bodies within its 1,800+ strong membership.
Active in over 80 countries
A mission to preserve nature and humanity
Our mission is to promote and support the wildlife conservation and related landscapes, local communities, and traditions through sustainable use including hunting.
Our vision is to protect a world where wildlife is valued and conserved as part of nature for the benefit of humanity.
The CIC Policy and Law Division
By adapting scientific advancements into real world policy, the CIC Policy and Law Division supports the implementation of projects on the ground, backed by the peer-reviewed academic literature.
As an Intergovernmental Observer Organisation to Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) of the United Nations (UN), the CIC actively supports policy development at the international and national level.
Much of this work is done in alignment with wider conservation targets, such as the Global Biodiversity Framework adopted at the CBD COP15 in Montreal.
The CIC currently contributes and provides guidance to the following UN MEAs.
- CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)
- CMS (Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals)
- CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity)
- AEWA (Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds)
The CIC Applied Science Division
The CIC Applied Science Division ensures scientific rigour across all CIC activities and delivers cutting edge scientific innovations in promoting sustainable wildlife management, particularly in light of climate change and biodiversity loss.
By collaborating with academia, governmental departments and agencies, as well as environmental NGOs, the Division ensures that principles of best practice are applied to wildlife conservation and management programs around the world.
Additionally, the Division supports and conducts wildlife conservation research, while looking to raise awareness of key findings to broader audiences.
Culture Division
As the rural-urban divide continues to grow, we run the risk of losing our connection with the natural world. Sustainable use advocates are keenly aware of this connection and its importance for not only conservation, but culture and society itself.
The CIC Culture Division works to promote the cultural elements associated with hunting and to preserve long-held traditions deeply rooted in its heritage.
As part of their work, the Division works closely with UNESCO to ensure hunting traditions are recognised as a global intangible heritage.
It also awards prizes and awards to artists/artistic endeavours that highlight the beauty of nature and wildlife.
Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities Working Group
Rural actors are the backbone of our society, acting as the key stakeholders in biodiversity conservation success or failure. They are also some of the most marginalised individuals in political and environmental decision-making.
The CIC has long been advocating for countryside interests, supporting their right to utilise natural resources as well as funding the attendance of key stakeholders at environmental conventions.
More recently, the organisation’s support for rural actors has been formalised, with issues related to indigenous peoples and local communities explicitly being referenced as a priority in the updated CIC Statutes (2022).
In addition, the 69th General Assembly adopted a resolution to establish a CIC Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities Working Group, which works to give an international platform to underrepresented voices.
Giving an international platform to underrepresented voices
Artemis Working Group: The Role of Women in the Field of Hunting
The role of women in the field of hunting grows ever more important and is steadily increasing. Not only is there a need to highlight the work of women in wildlife management, it is vital that we support their inclusion in hunting and sustainable use activities as well.
The Artemis Working Group was created for this purpose, acting as a platform for women and huntresses within the CIC Network.
Artemis builds upon the existing work of huntresses, highlighting their many successes while working to improve female participation in hunting, hunting organisations and the broad spectrum of wildlife conservation and management activities.
Young Opinion Working Group: The Next Generation of Nature Conservationists
One of the ongoing goals of the CIC is to share its vision and aims with the next generation of nature conservationists and conscious hunters.
Young Opinion acts as a platform for young people to meet and exchange ideas on hunting, wildlife conservation and more.
Engaging with our future leaders gives us a fresh perspective on prevalent issues and an insight into the thoughts and needs of the next generation of hunters.
The CIC Network
The CIC has over 1,800 members in 86 countries. Its membership consists of States, national and international organisations, individual members, as well as experts and sponsors. The CIC also has 40 National Delegations, which are responsible for coordinating activities in their respective countries.
The CIC is unique in that it includes State Members (27 in total) among its membership. The CIC is one of the very few international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) in the world which counts states or governmental organisations among their membership.
