International Federation of Wildlife Photography

The beginning

The first meeting of wildlife photographers from different backgrounds took place in Strasbourg, in 1978, under the auspices of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe and at the initiative of the Association Sportive de la Chasse Photographique Française. The meeting was able to examine the various points of views, in a constructive way, taking into consideration national legislations, as well as the moral code voluntarily adopted by each association. The comparison between the various techniques of wildlife photography, with due respect to the quietness of the animals, gave this gathering its full significance.
This meeting gave rise to the idea of creating an International Federation aimed at attempting to give wildlife photographers, from various countries, a common goal : the exercise of their activities with strict respect for nature, concern for authentic documentation and defense of their rights.

Associations from France, Great Britain, Hungary and Italy then formed IFWP on the 14th of April 1980 for the purpose of promoting the Etics of Wildlife Photography, and Nature Photography in general, and to set up common rules for all the members of the Federation.

Objects of the Federation :

– to gather together all associations of wildlife photographers from all the countries of the world and to organize activities which result in a mutual exchange of knowledge and experience between members of these associations
– to encourage the creation of national associations or of groups of wildlife photographers in those countries where there are none
– to define and promote common etics and rules in all members associations
– to defend the rights of wildlife photographers who are members of members associations, particulary in relation to public authorities
– to collaborate in drawing up national legislation in the field of wildlife photography to complement existing legislation
– create a symbol of quality which might accompany the publication of photographs taken by members of the associations in the press and information bulletins
– take part in discussions regarding nature conservancy

The Federation will have no political involvement.

About the Federation

The International Federation of Wildlife Photography, the head office of which is at 60 rue des Archives, F-75003 PARIS, is a foreign association governed by the French Law of July 1st, 1901. It was legally authorized by the Ministry of the Interior of the French State and registred under the No 80/785 on April 22nd, 1980.

Today, IFWP counts nearly 15 member associations, covering Europe from Scandinavia to Spain, and Great Britain to Yugoslavia. It is run by an Administrative Council of five to six members. These members are chosen from different member associations by the General Assembly which is composed of all its members. To become an active member of IFWP, the association must be accepted by a majority of the Administrative Council. Corresponding members may be associations, groups or individuals. Annual membership fee is 80 euros.