Abolish ‚zombie‘ wildlife protection conventions after completion of their mission

The history of commercial whaling is a dark chapter in human exploitation of marine life. Humpback whales, once hunted to near extinction for their oil, have seen a remarkable resurgence in numbers thanks to conservation efforts. The International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling (ICRW) and the International Whaling Commission (IWC) were established to address the unsustainable practices of the whaling industry. The IWC, in particular, played a crucial role in implementing a moratorium on commercial whaling in 1985, which led to a significant reduction in whaling activities worldwide.

As the IWC prepares for its 69th meeting in Lima, there are calls for the organization to consider handing over its remaining responsibilities to other conventions and national governments and closing down. While the IWC has made significant strides in managing global whale populations, its effectiveness in recent years has been called into question. The acrimonious debates among member nations and the lack of progress on key issues have raised concerns about the relevance of the IWC in the modern conservation landscape.

Despite its past accomplishments, the IWC has struggled to address ongoing challenges in whale conservation. The organization’s focus on the moratorium on commercial whaling has overshadowed other pressing issues, such as the impact of ship strikes, pollution, and climate change on whale populations. Additionally, the continued whaling activities of countries like Japan, Norway, and Iceland have raised questions about the effectiveness of the IWC in regulating whaling practices.

One proposal suggests that the IWC should celebrate its achievements, devolve its remaining responsibilities, and set an example for the international environmental community by closing down. Indigenous Arctic communities, which rely on whale hunting for sustenance, could manage their own whaling practices with the support of scientific evidence. Similarly, countries like Japan, Norway, and Iceland could regulate their whaling activities in their exclusive economic zones without the oversight of the IWC.

The article also highlights the role of other international conventions, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), in protecting whale species. These conventions could provide a framework for regulating international trade and conserving whale populations, reducing the need for the IWC’s involvement in these matters.

In conclusion, the article calls for the consolidation and streamlining of international environmental agreements and organizations to improve efficiency and effectiveness. By reevaluating the role of institutions like the IWC and transferring responsibilities to more relevant bodies, the international community can better address the pressing challenges facing wildlife conservation. The upcoming UN Summit of the Future presents an opportunity to discuss these issues and pave the way for a more sustainable and coordinated approach to environmental protection.