Washington, D.C. — On May 4, 2016, Adam M. Roberts, CEO of Born Free USA and Born Free Foundation, will team up with Wayne Pacelle, President and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States, for a passionate and skilled Intelligence Squared U.S. Debate entitled “Hunters Conserve Wildlife.” They will face Field & Stream magazine’s Anthony Licota and Humanitarian Operations Protecting Elephants’ Catherine Semcer.[teaserbreak]
According to Roberts, “It is going to be a thrilling debate, comprehensively dismantling the hunters’ argument and laying bare the lie that hunters conserve wildlife. Politically, economically, and biologically, it is just not true. And, in one session, Wayne (Pacelle) and I will have our say and win the day.”
Studies show that hunting puts intense additional pressure on species that are already besieged by risks including habitat loss. Economically, hunting actually only generates a very small percentage of national GDP, where non-consumptive eco-tourism revenue generates the vast majority of national tourism income. And, where hunting profits are generated, only an estimated 3% trickles down to local economies.
Roberts and Pacelle will cover these topics in the debate:
- Endangered animals are already at risk of extinction by poachers and natural predators; legalized hunting exacerbates the problem.
- Hunting alters the natural composition of animal herds and, even when population sizes are maintained, negatively impacts their long-term survival.
- The global market around trophy hunting is often corrupt and funds raised from hunters are often misappropriated.
- Domestic and international regulatory agencies that oversee hunters are often pressured to set quotas based on industry demands rather than animal wellbeing.
- Some pro-hunting nations in Africa have high levels of corruption, putting wildlife at risk to enrich the coffers of a few.
Roberts adds, “We urge the public to listen to the hard facts—for animals, for conservation, for our planet. Hunting must end, and we encourage people to cast a vote before our debate on May 4.”
To vote: Click Here
The debate will be held Wednesday, May 4, 2016 (reception at 5:45PM; debate 6:45PM to 8:15PM) at New York’s Kaufman Center (129 W. 67th Street, New York City) and stream live online. For tickets to the live event, visit www.intelligencesquaredus.org.
Born Free USA is a global leader in animal welfare and wildlife conservation. Through litigation, legislation, and public education, Born Free USA leads vital campaigns against animals in entertainment, exotic “pets,” trapping and fur, and the destructive international wildlife trade. Born Free USA brings to America the message of “compassionate conservation”: the vision of the U.K.-based Born Free Foundation, established in 1984 by Bill Travers and Virginia McKenna, stars of the iconic film Born Free, along with their son, Will Travers. Born Free’s mission is to end suffering of wild animals in captivity, conserve threatened and endangered species, and encourage compassionate conservation globally. More at www.bornfreeusa.org, www.twitter.com/bornfreeusa, and www.facebook.com/bornfreeusa.
Media Contact: Rodi Rosensweig, 203/270-8929, TheRodiCompany@gmail.com