Hunting is one of the oldest ways of using natural resources and as such has an influence on animal and plant species as well as on ecosystems. It may also be a potential source of conflict with other forms natural resources use (e.g. forestry, agriculture, and fishing). In this context, the question of the sustainability of hunting must be addressed. Simplifying the problem often prevents an objective assessment and hinders the resolution of disputes. Creating a basis of mutual understanding is of fundamental importance for communication. The question, therefore, is which aspects must invariably be considered when a comprehensive, reasoned and solution-oriented discussion is to be achieved. In line with similar processes, this study sets out principles, criteria and indicators that have been developed by involving a large number of interested parties. Establishing a set of principles, criteria and indicators (P, C, I) is a modern approach which allows the issue of hunting to be treated in an objective and transparent way by taking into account the three pillars of sustainability (ecology, economy and socio-cultural aspects). Sustainability in this context means that the use of the natural resources is possible now and will be possible in the future (for future generations). The present study is solely concerned with the topic of hunting, always bearing in mind however that in the context of an overall aim of sustainability, the consideration of other, external influences on hunting is of vital importance. For these other individual sectors, specific principles, criteria, and indicators have to be developed. Particular attention has been given to international agreements (CBD, IUCN, etc.)
