A question of identity: Should ‘aboriginal’ still define subsistence whaling?

A question of identity: Should ‘aboriginal’ still define subsistence whaling? The words we use carry significant weight. They shape perceptions, define identities, and influence policies. In international conservation discussions, particularly at forums like the International Whaling Commission (IWC), terminology is more than a matter of semantics—it reflects historical recognition, cultural respect, and political meaning. One …

A milestone for indigenous rights at the IWC: Consensus on subsistence whaling

A milestone for indigenous rights at the IWC: Consensus on subsistence whaling The Aboriginal Subsistence Whaling (ASW) Sub-Committee at IWC69 presented its report that underscored the importance of managing whale populations in a way that balances cultural traditions and the sustainable use of whale stocks by indigenous communities. The discussions reaffirmed the IWC's commitment to …

The Conservation Committee’s work is praised, but discussions moved to future agenda item

The Conservation Committee’s work is praised, but discussions moved to future agenda item The Conservation Committee’s report delivered an overview of its achievements in cetacean conservation. The Committee’s ongoing work on bycatch mitigation, vessel strikes, and whale watching, as well as its alignment with broader international environmental frameworks, drew praise from several delegations. One of …

The Scientific Committee’s achievements and challenges

The Scientific Committee's achievements and challenges The report of the Scientific Committee (SC) at IWC69 showcases a year of significant achievements in cetacean research, further cementing its role as the primary body for whale and cetacean science within the International Whaling Commission (IWC). Despite financial pressures and budget cuts, the SC has continued its vital …

The Executive Secretary’s report is a testament to the Secretariat’s efficiency

The Executive Secretary’s report is a testament to the Secretariat’s efficiency As IWC69 progresses, the Executive Secretary’s Report on Secretariat activities became a key focus during the Plenary session. This comprehensive report, summarising the Secretariat’s work between IWC68 in 2022 and the present meeting, was met with widespread appreciation from Commission members. It has now …

Quorum quarrels: While efforts were made to change the rules, they still remain in place

Quorum quarrels: While efforts were made to change the rules, they still remain in place The contentious issue of quorum, first ignited during the heated discussions surrounding the South Atlantic Whale Sanctuary at IWC68, resurfaced at IWC69, sparking another round of debate within the Plenary. Despite the efforts of the Working Group on Operational Effectiveness …

IWC69 opens with discussions over visa delays and voting rights

IWC69 opens with discussions over visa delays and voting rights The first session of IWC69 commenced this morning, and what was meant to be a smooth start was overshadowed by frustrations over visa delays and financial arrears, impacting both attendance and voting rights. Out of the 88 members of the Commission, 65 are registered members …

Preliminary discussions at IWC69 highlight key debates on whaling and indigenous rights

Preliminary discussions at IWC69 highlight key debates on whaling and indigenous rights The 69th meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC69) has begun in Lima, Peru, with early sessions focusing on Aboriginal Subsistence Whaling (ASW) ahead of tomorrow’s much-anticipated Plenary. These preliminary discussions have already surfaced important debates about the future of whaling quotas, indigenous …

La Comisión Ballenera Internacional no puede ignorar el derecho humano a una alimentación adecuada

La Comisión Ballenera Internacional no puede ignorar el derecho humano a una alimentación adecuada (Por favor, haz clic aquí para las versiones en inglés, francés y alemán de este artículo) En septiembre de 2024, la Comisión Ballenera Internacional (CBI) celebrará su 69ª reunión en Lima, Perú (CBI69). Como en reuniones anteriores, se discutirán cuestiones controvertidas …

La Commission Baleinière Internationale ne peut ignorer le droit humain à une alimentation adéquate

La Commission Baleinière Internationale ne peut ignorer le droit humain à une alimentation adéquate (Cliquez ici pour les versions espagnole, anglaise et allemande de cet article) En septembre 2024, la Commission Baleinière Internationale (CBI) tiendra sa 69e réunion à Lima, au Pérou (CBI69). Comme lors des réunions précédentes, des questions controversées seront discutées, mettant une fois …