The organization successfully leveraged its network, gathering 360,000 signatures during the EU Green Week 2023 for the SignforHunting campaign.
The campaign highlights the important role of hunters in nature conservation and seeks legislative support for their contributions. This drive for public awareness and policy changes by FACE emphasizes the significance of strategic communication and community mobilization in achieving environmental objectives.
“Such a massive mobilization of Europe’s hunters is thrilling to witness,” said Torbjörn Larsson, President of FACE. “This campaign serves as a testament to the power of our diverse community and the national hunting associations across Europe, whose commitment to the preservation of our natural and cultural heritage is commendable.”
The Environment Commissioner, Virginijus Sinkevičius, expressed appreciation for the campaign’s impact on environmental policy: “This petition shows our shared determination to halt and reverse the dramatic loss of biodiversity in this decade.”
The SignforHunting campaign has set a precedent for the active involvement of hunters in environmental conservation discussions. In addition to its significance for the hunting community, the campaign demonstrated the potential for wide-scale public engagement in promoting sustainable hunting, conservation, and the preservation of hunting’s cultural heritage.
With a network representing national hunting associations from 37 European countries and seven million hunters, the SignforHunting campaign stands as FACE’s first foray into large-scale public advocacy. The success of this campaign showcases the importance of community engagement and the strategic role of public affairs professionals in amplifying key messages and mobilizing stakeholders.
“This is a historic day for Europe’s hunters, and indeed for all of Europe,” concluded Larsson. “We are confident that this successful campaign will continue to encourage dialogue and foster cooperation among all stakeholders to shape a future where nature conservation and sustainable hunting go hand in hand.”
