The recent decision by NatureScot to prohibit the annual guga hunt on the Hebridean island of Sula Sgeir has sparked a strong response from Sjúrður Hammer, a Faroese seabird biologist. In a letter to the Guardian, Hammer argues that the ban, which marks the first time in 400 years the practice has been blocked, is a significant step backward for conservation and local community rights.
Kunming-Montreal Framework Ignored
Hammer contends that the prohibition runs counter to the spirit of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which explicitly recognizes the essential role of indigenous and local communities as stewards of their environments. He emphasizes that this framework is not limited to distant, exotic cultures but includes small, place-rooted communities in Scotland, the Faroe Islands, and Iceland, which have maintained ancient traditions and distinct ways of relating to nature for centuries.
According to Hammer, these cultures are not museum pieces but living, fragile social ecologies that face constant pressure from modern lifestyles and ethics imposed by capitals and cities. He calls on the Scottish government to question whether the local community on Lewis has been sufficiently and fairly heard in the decision-making process.
A Regulated Practice
The guga hunt, which involves collecting gannet chicks, is described by Hammer as a regulated, small-scale practice embedded in local ecological knowledge. He argues that ending it risks alienating the very communities that global biodiversity policy aims to empower. "Conservation that excludes local actors is not progress," he writes.
Conservation Campaigns from Outside
As a Faroe Islander, Hammer has experienced numerous conservation campaigns imposed from outside, and he has seen how well-intentioned policy can become a tyranny of the majority when local voices are sidelined. He does not dispute the population modelling behind NatureScot's decision, nor does he believe the agency acted carelessly, but he insists that the decision must be evaluated in the context of the Kunming-Montreal accord.
The debate highlights a broader tension in conservation: balancing scientific data with the rights and knowledge of local communities. Hammer's letter serves as a reminder that sustainable conservation requires inclusive approaches that respect and integrate local stewardship.
