International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation

The International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC) (see Wikipedia) is a politically independent advisory body which aims to preserve wild game and hunting. To achieve this goal, the CIC is promoting the sustainable use of wildlife resources. Values: − Respectful of the diversity of wildlife and people − Non-political, non-profit − Striving for excellence − Responsibility, transparency − Honesty, integrity CIC is recognized by the Austrian Government as an international non-governmental and non- profit organization, working in the interest of the public. Since 2003, the CIC has its legal seat in Vienna, the Headquarters of the organization is, since 1999, in Budakeszi, Hungary. The CIC carries out cross-border cooperation in the form of joint conservation projects, symposia and other wildlife related activities including at a regional level. Currently such Coordination Fora exist in the Nordic Countries, the Mediterranean and Central- and Eastern Europe. The CIC and Hungary The Hungarian State as the first of the socialist countries to join the CIC in 1966 increased the level of recognition of the country on the international hunting stage. The CIC played a crucial role in the organization of the 1971 World Hunting Exhibition, as patron of the event and through conducting trophy measurements. Pál Vallus, Vice-President at that time, later President of the CIC, was on the board of the exhibition. The General Assembly of the CIC in 1970 was held in Budapest. Being involved in the preparations of this global event, the contributions of the CIC allowed to draw the attention of hunters worldwide. After the political changes in the country the most important step in the relationship of the CIC and Hungary was the invitation by the Hungarian Government to move the administrative centre to Budapest. After long negotiations, the Office moved, in 1999, from Paris to Budakeszi, which was a crucial diplomatic achievement for Hungary.