Director General of Slovak Military Forests and Estates Ján Jurica receives Edmond Blanc Award 2026

Director General of Slovak Military Forests and Estates (VLM SR) Ján Jurica received the internationally prestigious Edmond Blanc Award during the 72nd General Assembly of the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC) in Vienna, Austria. The CIC is among the most important global platforms for cooperation on nature conservation, land management and sustainable use of natural resources.

The CIC General Assembly was attended by over 650 delegates, including by ministers, ambassadors, diplomats, scientists and conservation leaders from around the world. The main theme of discussions was the integration of nature conservation and land use, agriculture and rural economies in the context of “wildlife economy”.

As part of the CIC Awards Ceremony, several prestigious CIC Awards were presented for outstanding contributions to the protection of nature and culture. Among the awardees was Director General of VLM SR Ján Jurica, who received the prestigious Edmond Blanc Award for his long-term contribution to biodiversity conservation and sustainable land use, as well as for developing the principles and practices for responsible management of natural resources.

Speaking at the CIC Awards Ceremony, Director General of VLM SR Ján Jurica said: “I see this award as a recognition of the hard work being done by the entire VLM team. This commits us to continually take responsible action on forest management and land use in a way that brings long-term benefits to both nature and society.”

Major strategic decisions were taken at the 72nd CIC General Assembly – Mr Luis de la Peña was elected as the new President of the CIC, and the CIC Resolution on Advancing the Wildlife Economy through Sustainable Use was adopted as the key policy outcome of the Vienna meeting. The Resolution underscores the importance of the link between nature conservation and rural economic development, while reiterating that nature conservation and sustainable use are not opposing, but rather complementary concepts that can secure the long-term future of wildlife species and rural communities.