The International Whaling Commission (IWC) is currently hosting approximately 400 delegates from its 88 member governments at its biennial meeting in Lima, from September 23rd to 27th. This event is a crucial moment to discuss major issues related to whale conservation and sustainable population management.

The agenda for this year’s meeting is both packed and diverse, covering several essential topics, including advancements in scientific research and population assessment. Subsistence whaling by indigenous populations will feature prominently on the agenda. Unlike commercial whaling, this practice serves nutritional and cultural needs, particularly in isolated communities in the Arctic.

Since 2018, new measures have been introduced to regulate this whaling, including a quota system that can be automatically extended in six-year increments under certain conditions. These conditions stipulate that the quotas must remain constant, that their impact on whale populations is deemed acceptable by the Scientific Committee, and that the involved states adhere to their commitments.

The meeting will also address the work of its six sub-committees, which will present progress reports and action plans for the future. Among the new proposals, five resolutions covering topics ranging from commercial whaling to alignment with other international organizations will be discussed. A proposal to establish a whale sanctuary in the South Atlantic Ocean will also be at the center of discussions.

Governance issues, such as the quorum and the relationship between financial contributions and voting rights, will also be addressed. Budgetary debates are expected to be challenging in the current economic climate, as the IWC seeks to maintain a financial balance to support its science, management, and conservation activities.

The IWC promotes core values such as transparency and accessibility. The plenary sessions will take place from September 23rd to 27th, during which members of the international community will address the issues related to these important challenges for the future of whales and the marine ecosystem.