The World Forum on The Future of Sport Shooting Activities What's New?WFSA Workshop on Indoor Shooting RangesResponsible Care of the Shooting Range Environment
A workshop has been held in Rome, Italy, on September 16-17, 2005, on the management of ventilation for the safe use of indoor shooting ranges. Organized and hosted by the World Forum on the Future of Sport Shooting Activities, it brought together a range of experts from numerous countries, who shared information from their local experience. It was concluded that safety in the process of extracting gases resulting from indoor shooting has increased notably over the last few decades, as the technology has improved. The conference papers are to be published in booklet form. 
United Nations Meeting on Small Arms July 2005 - Biennial Meeting of States on Small ArmsWFSA ParticipationAt the United Nations Headquarters, in New York, USA, from July 11 to 15, 2005, the Second Biennial Meeting of States was held to review the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms. The conference, chaired by Ambassador Patokallio of Finland, brought together governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and civil society representatives in national delegations. The WFSA is an NGO in Roster Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. Representatives from the United States, Germany and Italy attended the meeting. Statement to Meeting by WFSA President Carlo Peroni. Statement to meeting by Thomas Mason, WFSA Secretariat. Statement to meeting by Ted Rowe, Chairman WFSA Manufacturers' Advisory Group. Statement by Rick Patterson, President of the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Association -- member of WFSA. Statement to meeting by Sezaneh Seymour, Safari Club International -- member of WFSA. Statement to meeting by Mark Barnes of FAIR Trade -- member of WFSA. UN Website Biennial Meeting of States This site includes the meeting summary, statements made at the meeting by governments, intergovernmental organizations and civil societies Government reports 2005 This website includes reports from each country on their implementation of the PoA. These reports are submitted on a voluntary basis, by member nations. The WFSA Lead SymposiumWorld Experts Discuss Future of Ammunition
WFSA Lead Symposium in Rome The first ever World Symposium on Lead in Ammunition, held in Rome, Italy on September 9-10, 2004, was organized and hosted by the World Forum on the Future of Sport Shooting Activities. More than 140 representatives from twenty countries attended. The primary purpose was to exchange the latest information regarding the use of lead in ammunition. The major conclusion of the conference was while lead in ammunition can pose risks in certain environments, these risks can be managed using simple and practical techniques. It was also recognized that the search for effective alternatives must continue. The conference brought together the leading scientists and professionals, along with government officials and industry and shooting organization representatives from around the world. Their diverse backgrounds and perspectives made for lively debate and positive exchange of information. Regardless of questions about lead, worldwide trends show Olympic, competitive shooting sport and hunter numbers remaining very substantial in the world at about a hundred million. Shooting is an important and continuing activity. Not only that, but shooting ranges have substantial community, cultural, economic and historic value. 
Leading Experts from 20 Countries Attended Thirty-two presentations were made during the symposium. Scientific studies of lead mobility and corrosion as well as lead-risk and consumer-exposure assessments were reviewed. Technical reports on requirements of ammunition performance, alternative materials currently available, environmental impacts of new materials, hazards to wildlife, methods to manage risks posed by lead ammunition and new concepts in shooting range design were all presented. Status reports were shared on legal, legislative, policy and regulation efforts, in addition to examples of shooting sports community and agency education and outreach initiatives. While lead was of principal concern, other metals and constituents found in ammunition or used as proposed alternatives to lead were discussed. The closing session provided an opportunity for open discussion and proposed a vision for the future. The conference concluded that the full spectrum of community practices and expectations need to be taken into account, and so does the entire environment. Identified hazards of lead such as ingestion, inhalation, environmental fate and transport need to be respected, and it is the responsibility of sport shooting associations to continue to emphasize the education aspects. The World Forum on the Future of Sport Shooting Activities believes this conference now serves as the major reference point for legislators and shooting organizations to work together in a co-operative manner. The conference proceedings have been published in a package combining book, CD and DVD. 
A Question of Balance The WFSA Symposium: A Question of BalanceWorld Experts Discuss Firearms IssuesOn May 2-3, 2003, the WFSA sponsored a conference in England, at the Tower of London, entitled The Legal, Economic and Human Rights Implications of Civilian Firearms Ownership and Regulation. Click here to view a short video from "A Question of Balance Symposium".Distilled from that program is the DVD, "A Question of Balance", which is 56 minutes long and includes numerous graphics, video footage and photos, as well as a special 13-minute overview of major topics covered. Speakers cover important issues including: the futility of gun registration as a deterrent against crime, the popularity of shooting in Switzerland, gun ownership as a protection from genocide, women and firearms, the importance of shooting sports as a form of recreation, and advice from the firearms industry on how to regulate trade. The DVD is extremely informative and appropriate for libraries and schools, as well as for giving to decision-makers. Disclaimer: Posting of an article on the WFSA website does not constitute an endorsement by the WFSA of any view, policy position, statement or averred fact contained within the article. Articles are made available for informational purposes only. |
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