SCI actively works in the international arena protecting the freedom to hunt worldwide. SCI also works to increase hunting access and reduce burdens for international hunters.

Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES): CITES regulates trade in protected species of wildlife including the shipment of hunting trophies. SCI is a leading non-governmental organization participant in CITES and has sent representatives to CITES meetings since 1979. SCI participates in the Conferences of the Parties (CoP), Animals Committee Meetings and Standing Committee Meetings, working with delegates from countries and other organizations around the world.

Before every CoP, SCI produces a Sustainable Use Voting Guide that informs the CITES Parties how they should vote on the Conference’s proposals. CoP18 Voting Guide.

• The European Federation of Associations for Hunting & Conservation (FACE): FACE is comprised of European national hunters’ associations and other associate members, including SCI and the SCI Foundation. FACE represents the interests of Europe’s seven million hunters and works on all hunting-related issues in Europe.
• World Forum on the Future of Sport Shooting Activities (WFSA): SCI's participation in WFSA helps magnify SCI's voice in the international community. The Forum is an educational and scientific association, founded in 1997 by more than two dozen existing associations and organizations. WFSA is a proactive advocacy organization representing a substantial portion of the sport shooting community, working in concert with international bodies, national governments and regulatory authorities, for the worldwide promotion and preservation of sport shooting activities.
• United Nations (UN): The UN has no fewer than five programs dedicated to limiting the ability to import or transport firearms. SCI is a registered non-governmental organization with the United Nations, working to oppose any attempt to limit the lawful transportation of firearms for hunting purposes.
• Airline Transport: Some of the biggest problems for international hunters are the unnecessary burdens and regulations that impede the transport of firearms and trophies internationally. SCI works with both airlines and governments to reduce the burdens faced by the traveling hunter.
• Importation of Wildlife: Even though CITES regulates wildlife trade, many countries and the European Union often impose additional regulations that prohibit or limit trophy importation. SCI works around the world to reduce the burden on hunters who try to bring back legally hunted trophies from abroad.  SCI has participated with other international organizations to advocate for hunting and community-based management of wildlife in range countries and to prevent unnecessary restrictions that impede range country conservation success.
• Firearms Ownership and Transport:  Firearms ownership and transportation among European countries is regulated by the European Union Firearms Directive, which is designed to deter terrorism and criminal activity.  SCI works with FACE to prevent amendments to this document that would unnecessarily penalize legal owners and users of firearms (hunters).
• Ammunition: Currently one of the biggest threats to hunters and sport shooters around the world is the push to ban or restrict the use of traditional ammunition. SCI is working on multiple fronts to prevent the imposition of requirements that would make it infeasible, if not impossible, for efficient and accessible hunting to continue.
• Border Governors and Latin American-U.S. Leadership Forum:  These meetings, scheduled to coincide with SCI’s annual Convention, bring together decision-makers from Mexican states and South American countries to discuss issues of hunting, wildlife management, law enforcement and CITES decision-making.

International Talking Points

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IUCN: Informing Decisions on Trophy Hunting

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