International Advocacy

SCI’s international advocacy staff works to protect the freedom to hunt worldwide, increase global hunting access, and reduce burdens for international hunters. SCI, partner organizations, and international SCI chapters engage on local and global hunting issues in international fora and foreign government decision-making processes. SCI is active in Africa, Canada, and European Institutions, including the European Council, European Parliament, and European Commission. SCI’s international advocacy team defends all hunters for all species from around the world while amplifying local voices and supporting sustainable stewardship of wildlife.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is a treaty that regulates international trade in wildlife and is the source of many international regulations for trade in hunting trophies. Engagement with CITES processes is foundational for much of SCI’s international policy advocacy. SCI is a leading non-governmental organization participant in CITES and has sent representatives to CITES meetings since 1979.

Through its international advocacy, SCI opposes hunting trophy import bans, encourages recognition of successful range state wildlife management programs, supports local and rural community leadership in wildlife policy decision-making, and more. SCI’s international advocacy team regularly partners with SCI Foundation staff, including by attending SCI Foundation’s African Wildlife Consultative Forum, to promote the critical role of sustainable use of wildlife in conservation.