The Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF) announced Saturday at the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC) General Assembly that it has committed €200,000 ($233,127 USD) to the organization’s Club 200 initiative, a program designed to strengthen international advocacy for sustainable use conservation.
WSF President and CEO Gray Thornton, joined by WSF Conservation Director Kurt Alt, presented the first installment of the pledge — €50,000 — during the assembly in Vienna before an audience of international conservation leaders and CIC delegates.
“The Wild Sheep Foundation is proud to support the CIC and its work advancing science-based conservation and sustainable wildlife management around the world,” Thornton said. “Our organizations share a long-standing commitment to ethical hunting, fair chase, habitat conservation, and the responsible management of wildlife resources.”
The Wild Sheep Foundation and CIC have collaborated on multiple conservation initiatives over the years, particularly in support of sustainable use policies and international wildlife conservation efforts.
“This is a significant milestone for the future of the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation,” said Tristan Breijer, CIC’s Director of Communications and Public Affairs.
Club 200 brings together organizations and individuals committed to supporting the CIC’s work in international policy, scientific engagement, and public communication surrounding sustainable use conservation. Members pledge €200,000 to help expand the organization’s global advocacy efforts. CIC is proud to have the Wild Sheep Foundation as a leader in worldwide conservation, as a member of this group.”
“North America remains our primary focus,” Thornton added. “However, as an international conservation leader and a significant stakeholder on the global conservation stage, WSF’s support for — and investment in — the promotion of sustainable use worldwide is critical. Equally important are the benefits the wild sheep economy provides to the resource itself and to the communities that depend on it for their livelihoods. These efforts are essential to the future of wild sheep and to preserving hunting opportunities both at home and abroad.”
Breijer said the growing number of Club 200 commitments reflects increasing recognition within the conservation community that sustainable use principles require stronger representation in global policy discussions.
“The arguments for sustainable use are grounded in science and proven conservation outcomes,” Breijer said. “But they also require sustained and professional advocacy to ensure those perspectives are represented effectively at the international level.”
CIC leadership described the WSF commitment as an important show of support for collaborative conservation efforts and expressed optimism that additional organizations and individuals will join the initiative in the coming months.
“The Wild Sheep Foundation and CIC look forward to welcoming further members to Club 200,” Thornton said.
Gray Thornton served as a panelist about the North American Model at the CIC Convention in Vienna.
About the Wild Sheep Foundation
The Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF), based in Bozeman, Montana, is a leading international conservation organization dedicated to wild sheep and their habitats. Founded in 1977 by sportsmen and conservationists, WSF has invested more than $156 million in conservation efforts worldwide. Through initiatives focused on habitat enhancement, population restoration, scientific research, education, and advocacy, WSF works to fulfill its mission to “Put and Keep Wild Sheep on the Mountain®.” These efforts have helped restore North American bighorn sheep populations from historic lows of approximately 25,000 in the mid-20th century to more than 85,000 today.
WSF serves a global membership of more than 11,000 supporters and collaborates with partners across North America, Europe, and Asia to ensure a sustainable future for wild sheep. Learn more at www.wildsheepfoundation.org.
Tags: International, Press Release