In the heart of Barcelona, a gathering of minds from across the globe convened to tackle one of the most pressing issues in wildlife management: human-wildlife conflicts. The 30th Congress of the International Union of Game Biologists (IUGB) and Perdix XIII brought together 397 researchers and wildlife managers from 37 countries, all united by a common goal—to find sustainable solutions to the challenges posed by human-wildlife interactions. The event, organized by a consortium of esteemed institutions, including the University of Barcelona and the British Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, set the stage for groundbreaking discussions and collaborations.
The congress, held at the ‘Hotel Juan Carlos I’ from September 5 to 9, 2011, was a melting pot of ideas and expertise. Attendees included leading wildlife biologists, forestry scientists, veterinarians, game managers, and hunters, all eager to share their knowledge and learn from one another. The theme, ‘Human–wildlife conflicts and peace-building strategies,’ was a call to action, urging participants to move beyond merely identifying problems and towards proposing scientifically sound solutions.
One of the standout sessions was the keynote lecture by Dr. Peter D. Walsh, who delved into the intricate relationship between bushmeat hunting and the emergence of Ebola. His presentation highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive wildlife management strategies that consider both ecological and social dimensions. “Understanding the dynamics of bushmeat hunting is crucial for preventing future outbreaks,” Walsh emphasized, underscoring the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in wildlife conservation.
The congress also featured a series of workshops that delved into specific issues affecting gamebird and mammal populations. One notable workshop, led by Dr. Yves Lecocq and Dr. Conor O’Gorman, focused on the sustainable management of migratory birds. The session explored the expectations and responsibilities of hunters and game biologists, fostering a dialogue that could shape future conservation efforts.
Another highlight was the workshop on the Pyrenean Network for the mountain game fowl, led by Dr. Virginie Fabre. This initiative, sponsored by the GALLIPYR INTERREG Project, aims to reconcile agricultural management, small game production, and biodiversity conservation. The workshop provided a platform for discussing practical recommendations for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform, a topic of significant interest to both conservationists and policymakers.
The congress was not just about presentations and workshops; it was also an opportunity for networking and collaboration. Participants had the chance to engage in discussions that could lead to future research projects and conservation initiatives. The event’s success was a testament to the power of collective effort and the importance of international cooperation in wildlife management.
The lead author of the article published in the journal Animal Biodiversity and Conservation, F. Buner, highlighted the significance of the congress in bridging the gap between scientists, wildlife managers, and authorities. “This congress provided a unique forum to share current developments in gamebird and mammal wildlife research and management,” Buner noted, emphasizing the need for coordinated research projects and conservation actions.
As the congress drew to a close, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and a wealth of knowledge. The discussions and collaborations fostered during the event are likely to shape future developments in the field, paving the way for more effective and sustainable wildlife management strategies. The insights gained from the congress will undoubtedly influence policy decisions and conservation efforts, ensuring a brighter future for both wildlife and the communities that depend on them.
For those interested in delving deeper into the findings and discussions from the congress, the final program, abstract book, and extended abstracts of some contributions can be found on the Conference web page (www.iugb2011.com). Some of the most outstanding contributions, selected by the scientific committee, are now published in the journal Animal Biodiversity and Conservation, which translates to Animal Diversity and Conservation.