BASC argued that a science-based approach should be key to decision-making when it attended an international conference which examined the use of lead ammunition and the illegal killing of birds.
Dr Matt Ellis, BASC’s scientific advisor, took part in the Avian Working Group at the 12th Conference of Parties for the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS COP 12) in Manila, in the Philippines.
BASC joined FACE (European Federation for Hunting and Conservation) in urging the CMS secretariat that scientific evidence should be integral to regular consultation with key stakeholders, including government agencies, relevant industries and non-governmental shooting, hunting and fishing organisations.
FACE will now be part of a lead task group focused on improving communications, education and public awareness around the use of lead ammunition. FACE has also pledged to promote the role of Europe’s seven million hunters in combating the illegal killing of birds.
Dr Ellis, who chairs the FACE Ammunition Working Group, said: “BASC joined FACE in contributing to a number of high-level debates around lead and the illegal killing of birds.
“During many of the discussions, it became clear that consultation in decision-making processes is often lacking and the importance of cooperating with the CMS scientific council is needed.”