The Second Pew Whale Symposium, entitled “A change in climate for whales” and organized by the Pew Environment Group, took place at UN University headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, from 30-31 January 2008.

Bringing together approximately 100 participants of 28 nationalities, representing the conservation community, scientists, policy experts, and others from the “International Whaling Commission (IWC) community” and beyond, the symposium sought to stimulate open dialogue in the heart of the main pro-whaling country. Discussions focused on: views from Japan; conflict management and biodiversity; finding a way forward; and the IWC process and its future. The meeting agreed on a few key principles, such as the need to protect endangered whales, and made some recommendations to help move the debate forward, but participants also identified areas of continuing disagreement. A Chair’s summary – not a consensus document – will be presented to the upcoming IWC Intersessional Meeting on the future of the whale conservation regime, in March 2008.
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