February 16, 2021 (WASHINGTON, D.C.) – As of today, 42 hunting, fishing and conservation organizations have taken a significant step forward for conservation by officially joining as signatories to the “Hunting and Fishing Community Statement on the 30 by 30 Initiative.” The coalition gained 29 new signatories since the coalition’s establishment in October. The “Thirty by Thirty Initiative” (30 by 30 Initiative) seeks to establish a goal of protecting 30% of the planet’s lands and waters by the year 2030 and is linked to global land and water protected area targets established by the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity (CBD).
The hunting and fishing community has proactively supported strategic efforts to conserve our nation’s terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems for more than a century. In response to the rollout of the 30 by 30 Initiative, this coalition was established to ensure the interests and contributions of sportsmen and sportswomen are incorporated into policies intended to advance 30 by 30 goals. In recent months, U.S. elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels have announced efforts to establish or express support for the goals of the 30 by 30 Initiative, including an Executive Order by President Joe Biden that includes a directive to federal agencies to develop recommendations on how the United States can achieve the 30 by 30 goals.
In order to generate support from the hunting and fishing community, the Community Statement on the 30 by 30 Initiative highlights five key areas that must be included in 30 by 30 policies:
In addition to the Community Statement, the coalition established a website, HuntFish3030.com, to provide hunters and anglers with information about the 30 by 30 Initiative and a petition that allows individuals the opportunity to make their voice heard as elected officials consider policy proposals related to the Initiative.
The new signatories to the Hunting and Fishing Community Statement since October include the Angler Action Foundation, Archery Trade Association, BoatUS, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, Boone and Crockett Club, California Waterfowl Association, Campfire Club of America, Coastside Fishing Club, Conservation Force, Council to Advance the Hunting and Shooting Sports, Houston Safari Club, International Game Fish Association, Izaak Walton League of America, Marine Education Initiative, Masters of Foxhounds Association, National Association of Forest Service Retirees, National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative, National Deer Association, National Professional Anglers Association, National Wildlife Federation, North American Falconers Association, North American Grouse Partnership, Orion: The Hunter’s Institute, Pope and Young Club, Sportsmen’s Alliance, The Conservation Coalition, Wild Sheep Foundation, Wildlife Management Institute, and Wildlife Mississippi.
For more information, to view the Community Statement, or to sign the petition, visit HuntFish3030.com.
Studies conducted at both the state and federal level have found that the number of hunters and trappers have been on a generally declining trend over the past several decades. To increase recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of hunters and trappers, which initiative do you think would have the greatest impact?
