On 21-22 June 2024, the German hunting association Deutscher Jagdverband (DJV) marked the 75th anniversary of the association's founding. The general assembly Bundesjägertag, held in Mainz at the Kurfürstliches Schloss, was attended by around 400 delegates and guests from across Germany. The assembly also marked a significant turning point in the association's history.
One of the most important moments of the assembly was a special tribute to FACE President Torbjörn Larsson, whose second three-year term of office is coming to an end. Mr Larsson will not stand for re-election this September. Over his two terms in office, FACE has undergone substantial change, with considerable progress made on organisational matters over the past six years.
Under Mr Larsson's leadership, FACE has seen notable growth and development, with which the organisation's members from 37 countries have been very satisfied. A number of issues of importance to Europe's hunters have been addressed, including reforms in land-use policy, the development of EU nature policy, questions surrounding large carnivores, the situation with migratory birds and the new EU rules on firearms and ammunition.
Mr Larsson's presidency was marked by his commitment to achieving the organisation's goals, and he led an important process to revise the FACE mission, vision and strategy through to 2027. His leadership was also decisive in establishing a stable FACE secretariat, in connection with the creation of a new, modern office in the European Quarter of Brussels.
In addition, Torbjörn Larsson played a decisive role in setting up the FACE Nature Fund, which has become an instrument for advancing FACE's mission and objectives. Fundraising efforts have significantly improved FACE's financial resources, making it possible to deliver broader and more influential advocacy initiatives. Particularly noteworthy was the largest European hunters' campaign, which collected more than 360,000 signatures, presented in 2023 to European Commissioner for the Environment Virginijus Sinkevičius. The campaign reflected the collective voice of Europe's hunters, their support for sustainable hunting and their commitment to protecting nature and promoting the rich cultural heritage of hunting.
Speaking at the DJV General Assembly, Torbjörn Larsson said:
I am extremely proud to have been President of FACE for six years, representing 7 million European hunters. I have had the honour of working alongside a strong board, members and experienced staff who are committed to FACE's values and obligations.