EP Conference: Poachers or Protectors? Local Communities at the Frontline of Conservation

Wildlife is in crisis in many parts of the globe, and decision makers need sound expertise and experience to inform their actions. In order to understand the drivers of escalating patterns of poaching, organised illegal wildlife trade, and habitat loss, this event places the indigenous and local communities that live close to wildlife at the forefront of thinking and action, and provides insights on how wildlife conservation can be reconciled with supporting community rights and livelihoods.

The Collaborative Partnership on Sustainable Wildlife Management, established under the Convention on Biological Diversity, with its 13 member organizations is the leading international body representing expertise focused on understanding and promoting the sustainable management of terrestrial vertebrate wildlife and biodiversity conservation, while meeting the livelihood, social, cultural and economic needs of human populations.

The aim of this event is to raise awareness amongst European policy makers of the complexity of wildlife management on the ground; bring a wide range of views on various approaches for conservation and sustainable use of wildlife; showcase effective approaches to community engagement in sustainable wildlife management; and foster dialogue between European policy-makers, international conservation, development organizations and practitioners.