Latest news with #AFCD
South China Morning Post
29-05-2025
- General
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong ombudsman probes oversight of tourist facilities at nature spots
Hong Kong's ombudsman is assessing the management of tourist facilities at local nature spots, with the investigation aiming to enhance the city's green tourism push. The Office of the Ombudsman said on Thursday that its investigation was prompted by media reports that essential amenities, such as toilets, were often inadequate, and that the information for transport and other facilities was frequently outdated or hard to find in nature areas. Complaints had surfaced about the slow progress of maintenance efforts and the lack of resources, such as delays in repairing rain shelters and the lack of publicity for visitor centres, it said. The investigation will examine the work of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and other related bodies in managing and maintaining the ancillary tourist facilities. It will also assess the dissemination of information on hiking activities and outdoor facilities. 'Proper management of countryside ancillary tourist facilities not only helps protect the safety of hikers and visitors but also enhances the outdoor experience for members of the public and tourists, thereby strengthening Hong Kong's appeal as a green tourism hotspot,' Ombudsman Jack Chan Jick-chi said. Chan said that problems such as rubbish accumulation and traffic congestion had emerged during the recent Labour Day golden week holiday, when many locals and tourists visited the city's mountains and country parks.
South China Morning Post
25-05-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Deep Dive: Hong Kong's consumer watchdog finds pets bought online likely to have more health problems
Deep Dive delves into hot issues in Hong Kong and mainland China. Our easy-to-read articles provide context to grasp what's happening, while our questions help you craft informed responses. Check sample answers at the end of the page. News: Hong Kong vets report higher rates of poor health for online-bought cats, dogs Hong Kong veterinarians are reporting higher rates of poor health among online-bought cats and dogs compared with those purchased at physical stores, the Consumer Council has said. The council suspected that nearly all the internet-based canine sellers it had checked were involved in illegal smuggling or unlicensed breeding. In a report published earlier this month, the city's consumer watchdog said it had conducted a study alongside the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD). The two organisations surveyed registered veterinarians and targeted 18 online platforms in a mystery shopper operation. 'The survey results found that more cats and dogs purchased online were in poor health, with a significantly higher proportion than those purchased from physical pet shops,' said Chung Chi-yung, chairman of the council's research and testing committee. On average, five out of every 10 dogs and 5.5 out of every 10 cats bought online and presented for veterinary care were sick or in poor condition. The rates were 3.3 for dogs and 3.9 for cats bought at physical pet shops. The most common diseases faced by online-bought pets included upper respiratory infections, diarrhoea and the canine parvovirus. Hong Kong's annual Dogathon raises HK$2.2 million for animal welfare The study also showed that the eight most common diseases in canines were found more in dogs bought online than those purchased at stores. The common disease prevalence rates for the former ranged from 52 to 86 per cent, compared with the latter's range of 29 to 78 per cent. Cats purchased online had higher rates of common feline illnesses, such as cat flu and skin infections. Feline panleukopenia, a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease, affected 61.9 per cent of online-purchased cats, compared with 31.4 per cent of those from pet shops. The survey of veterinarians also found that more than 90 per cent of cats and dogs purchased online lacked vaccination cards. Some owners presented documents that lacked signatures from accredited professionals and were only in simplified Chinese. Some sellers claimed their dogs had received their jabs on the mainland. They suggested customers give the animals 'booster shots' in Hong Kong. In addition, pets bought online were more unlikely to match the descriptions of ages and breeds given to their owners than those purchased at stores. Staff writers Question prompts 1. What did Hong Kong's Consumer Council discover about pets bought online? (1) They were more expensive than pets bought from physical stores. (2) They were more aggressive than store-bought pets. (3) They were more likely to be in poor health. (4) They were more likely to be a different breed or age than what was advertised. A. (1), (2) only B. (2), (4) only C. (1), (3) only D. (3), (4) only 2. Using News, name TWO activities the Consumer Council suspects most online pet sellers of doing. 3. How does the health and documentation of cats and dogs purchased online compare with those bought at physical pet stores? Explain using News and Glossary. Photo A veterinarian makes an injection of a vaccine to a pet cat. Photo: Shutterstock Question prompts 1. According to News, why is proper vaccination particularly important for pets purchased online? 2. What potential health risks are associated with buying a cat from an online seller? Explain using News and Glossary. Issue: Survey finds problematic sales tactics among online pet sellers Operation reached out to 13 social media accounts selling dogs; only one could provide documentation None of the sellers provided contracts to ensure they would honour their promises A recent mystery shopper operation by Hong Kong's Consumer Council has raised suspicions that 90 per cent of online pet sellers were smuggling in animals from mainland China or operating unlicensed local breeding or trading businesses. The operation involved reaching out to 13 social media accounts that appeared to sell dogs. Among the sellers contacted, five claimed their dogs came from breeding farms or kennels on the mainland, with some vendors saying delivery to Hong Kong could take one to two days. Five of the sellers identified themselves as Hong Kong-based 'private breeders'. Three of the vendors claimed they had local dog breeding licences. Among those three, only one was able to provide a 'yellow paper', or a dog breeder's declaration – a legal document issued by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD). The other two gave various reasons for being unable to share the documents, such as claiming that the papers were missing or that their site was awaiting a government inspection or undergoing processing. The five sellers claiming to offer mainland-bred dogs and the five claiming to be local private breeders were unable to provide any proof of legal origin or relevant documentation for their canines. The report also revealed that dogs sold online generally lacked microchips. Only three of the vendors claiming to be local dog breeders said their canines were or would be microchipped. Some of the vendors offering mainland-bred dogs falsely claimed their pets could not be microchipped before being transported to the city. Others claimed that dogs privately bred in Hong Kong were not typically microchipped. InfoSpark: How to be respectful of dogs in Hong Kong While 11 of the 13 sellers offered a health guarantee period, the details of the policies varied or were unclear. None of the sellers provided contracts or justifications to ensure they would honour their promises. The council also noted concerning sales tactics, such as only responding with voice messages, deleting photos or videos if buyers needed time to think and pressuring customers into making quick transactions by claiming demand was high. The watchdog urged consumers to consider adopting pets, avoid buying animals of unknown origin online, and to patronise reputable licensed animal traders. Residents should also learn more about a pet's health before buying it. The AFCD said that pets bought online carried risks due to owners' inability to assess the animals' real condition and past living environment, as well as the potential promotion of unlicensed breeding and smuggling. Staff writer Question prompts 1. According to Issue, which of the following problems were identified by the Consumer Council regarding online dog sellers? (1) Most sellers surveyed were suspected of smuggling or unlicensed breeding. (2) The majority of dogs sold online were microchipped before transport. (3) Sellers often failed to provide legal documentation proving the dogs' origins. (4) Most sellers were in mainland China. A. (1), (3) only B. (2), (4) only C. (2), (3) only D. (3), (4) only 2. List TWO problematic sales tactics used by online pet sellers. 3. What are the risks of buying a pet online, and what does the Consumer Council recommend doing instead? Explain using News, Issue and Glossary. Photo A group of animal rights supporters dressed in dog costumes gather outside Central Plaza. Photo: May Tse Question prompts 1. What message is being conveyed in the photo? 2. To what extent do you agree that Hongkongers should adopt pets instead of buying from online pet sellers? Explain using News, Issue and your own knowledge. Glossary canine parvovirus: a highly contagious virus in dogs that causes severe stomach illness. It is often life-threatening, especially for puppies. feline panleukopenia: a contagious and often fatal virus in cats. It is also known as feline distemper and affects the immune system, stomach and intestines. microchips: small electronic devices implanted under a pet's skin. The chip gives the animal a unique identification number. If the pet gets lost, the chip can be scanned to find the owner's contact information. reputable: having a good reputation; trustworthy Online pet sellers can be very problematic, so it's best to avoid them. Photo: Shutterstock Sample answers News 1. D 2. illegal smuggling and unlicensed breeding 3. According to the Consumer Council's report, cats and dogs bought online were in significantly poorer health than those purchased from physical stores. On average, 5 out of 10 dogs and 5.5 out of 10 cats bought online were sick or in poor condition, compared to 3.3 dogs and 3.9 cats from pet shops. Additionally, over 90 per cent of online-bought pets lacked valid vaccination cards, with some documentation missing professional signatures or written only in simplified Chinese. (accept all reasonable answers) Photo 1. Vaccination is especially important because although some sellers claim their dogs had received vaccinations on the mainland, they still advise buyers to get 'booster shots' in Hong Kong. This raises concerns about whether the animals received any vaccinations in the first place or if they haven't received them all. (accept all reasonable answers) 2. Cats bought from online sellers were more likely to suffer from serious health issues such as cat flu, skin infections, and feline panleukopenia, which is a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease. These risks are heightened due to the lack of proper vaccinations and incomplete or falsified health records provided by many online sellers. Issue 1. A 2. Many online sellers use problematic sales tactics such as only responding with voice messages, deleting photos or videos if buyers ask for time to think and pressuring customers into making quick transactions by claiming demand is high. (accept all reasonable answers) 3. According to the AFCD, online pet purchases carry significant risks due to poor health transparency, difficulty tracing sellers, and the promotion of illegal breeding and smuggling. People are urged to avoid buying pets of unknown origin online, adopt pets from shelters, and support licensed traders. Photo 1. The message encourages people to adopt animals instead of supporting breeders. 2. To a large extent, I agree that people should adopt pets instead of buying from breeders, especially online sellers. Many online sellers are suspected of illegal smuggling or unlicensed breeding, and animals sold this way are often in poor health, lacking proper documentation, vaccinations, and microchipping. Buying from such breeders can support unethical practices and increase the risk of adopting sick or misrepresented pets. Adoption, on the other hand, helps reduce demand for irresponsible breeding and gives animals in need a chance at a better life. (accept all reasonable answers)
South China Morning Post
25-05-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Spark Deep Dive: Hong Kong vets report more health problems for dogs, cats bought online
Deep Dive delves into hot issues in Hong Kong and mainland China. Our easy-to-read articles provide context to grasp what's happening, while our questions help you craft informed responses. Check sample answers at the end of the page. News: Hong Kong vets report higher rates of poor health for online-bought cats, dogs Hong Kong veterinarians are reporting higher rates of poor health among online-bought cats and dogs compared with those purchased at physical stores, the Consumer Council has said. The council suspected that nearly all the internet-based canine sellers it had checked were involved in illegal smuggling or unlicensed breeding. In a report published earlier this month, the city's consumer watchdog said it had conducted a study alongside the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD). The two organisations surveyed registered veterinarians and targeted 18 online platforms in a mystery shopper operation. 'The survey results found that more cats and dogs purchased online were in poor health, with a significantly higher proportion than those purchased from physical pet shops,' said Chung Chi-yung, chairman of the council's research and testing committee. On average, five out of every 10 dogs and 5.5 out of every 10 cats bought online and presented for veterinary care were sick or in poor condition. The rates were 3.3 for dogs and 3.9 for cats bought at physical pet shops. The most common diseases faced by online-bought pets included upper respiratory infections, diarrhoea and the canine parvovirus. The study also showed that the eight most common diseases in canines were found more in dogs bought online than those purchased at stores. The common disease prevalence rates for the former ranged from 52 to 86 per cent, compared with the latter's range of 29 to 78 per cent. Cats purchased online had higher rates of common feline illnesses, such as cat flu and skin infections. Feline panleukopenia, a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease, affected 61.9 per cent of online-purchased cats, compared with 31.4 per cent of those from pet shops. The survey of veterinarians also found that more than 90 per cent of cats and dogs purchased online lacked vaccination cards. Some owners presented documents that lacked signatures from accredited professionals and were only in simplified Chinese. Some sellers claimed their dogs had received their jabs on the mainland. They suggested customers give the animals 'booster shots' in Hong Kong. In addition, pets bought online were more unlikely to match the descriptions of ages and breeds given to their owners than those purchased at stores. Staff writer Questions 1. What did Hong Kong's Consumer Council discover about pets bought online? (1) They were more expensive than pets bought from physical stores. (2) They were more aggressive than store-bought pets. (3) They were more likely to be in poor health. (4) They were more likely to be a different breed or age than what was advertised. A. (1), (2) only B. (2), (4) only C. (1), (3) only D. (3), (4) only 2. Using the news, name TWO activities the Consumer Council suspects most online pet sellers of doing. 3. Based on the Consumer Council's report, how does the health and documentation of cats and dogs purchased online compare with those bought at physical pet stores? Explain using the news and glossary. Photo A vet prepares to give a cat a vaccine. Photo: Shutterstock Question prompts 1. According to the news, why is proper vaccination particularly important for pets purchased online? 2. What potential health risks are associated with buying a cat from an online seller? Explain using the news and glossary. Glossary smuggling: to transport things, animals or people somewhere secretly and often illegally mystery shopper: someone employed to test the service of a business by pretending to be a normal customer canine parvovirus: a highly contagious virus in dogs that causes severe stomach illness. It is often life-threatening, especially for puppies. feline panleukopenia: a contagious and often fatal virus in cats. It is also known as feline distemper and affects the immune system, stomach and intestines. Sample answers News 1. D 2. illegal smuggling and unlicensed breeding 3. According to the Consumer Council's report, cats and dogs bought online were in significantly poorer health than those purchased from physical stores. On average, 5 out of 10 dogs and 5.5 out of 10 cats bought online were sick or in poor condition, compared to 3.3 dogs and 3.9 cats from pet shops. Additionally, over 90 per cent of online-bought pets lacked valid vaccination cards, with some documentation missing professional signatures or written only in simplified Chinese. (accept all reasonable answers) Photo 1. Vaccination is especially important because although some sellers claim their dogs had received vaccinations on the mainland, they still advise buyers to get 'booster shots' in Hong Kong. This raises concerns about whether the animals received any vaccinations in the first place or if they haven't received them all. (accept all reasonable answers) 2. Cats bought from online sellers were more likely to suffer from serious health issues such as cat flu, skin infections, and feline panleukopenia, which is a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease. These risks are heightened due to the lack of proper vaccinations and incomplete or falsified health records provided by many online sellers.
Malaysian Reserve
19-05-2025
- General
- Malaysian Reserve
Urgent Call for Marine Protection: The Nature Conservancy Urges Stronger Safeguards and Restoration of Hong Kong's Endangered Oyster Reefs in Upcoming Biodiversity Policy Update
HONG KONG, May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is calling on the public to voice their support for greater marine conservation in Hong Kong's updated Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (BSAP), which is now open for public consultation for the coming two months. In light of the government's commitment to update the BSAP by the end of 2025, TNC urges the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) to include robust measures to protect and restore vital coastal ecosystems – particularly oyster reefs – which are among the most endangered marine habitats globally. Despite Hong Kong's rich marine biodiversity – home to over 5,900 species, or more than one-quarter of all marine species recorded in mainland China – marine conservation efforts have lagged far behind those on land. Only about 6% of Hong Kong's marine waters are protected, well below the global target of 30%. Many ecologically important habitats, including oyster reefs, remain outside of protected areas and face persistent threats, particularly in western waters. Oyster reefs and other shellfish reefs deliver vital benefits to people and the planet, including providing habitat for marine life, supporting fish production, regulating water quality and protecting coastlines. Yet, over the past two centuries, more than 85% of the world's shellfish ecosystems have been lost. Hong Kong is no exception. Historical dredging, reclamation, and urban development have decimated once-abundant oyster habitats across the territory. Today, any remaining oyster reefs are not officially recognised as ecologically important, are unprotected and therefore highly vulnerable to ongoing harvesting, degradation and reclamation projects, including the proposed Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands, which do not take shellfish reefs into account when conducting the Environmental Impact Assessment. 'Ecological restoration presents a huge opportunity for nature and people. However, ecological restoration is not without its challenges, that's why it cannot replace nature conservation, and should never be used to justify the destruction or degradation of ecosystems', said Marine Thomas, Associate Director of Conservation, The Nature Conservancy Hong Kong (TNC). 'The health of our marine ecosystems is crucial for a sustainable future,' said Professor Bayden Russell, from the Swire Institute of Marine Science (SWIMS), The University of Hong Kong. 'We must act now to restore our oyster reefs and protect our biodiversity.' With the BSAP now under review, the public has a once-in-a-decade opportunity to advocate for stronger marine conservation policies and the health of Hong Kong waters. TNC will be submitting formal recommendations to AFCD and encourages the public to take part by submitting their views before the deadline on July 11, 2025. TNC's Key Recommendations for the BSAP To reverse biodiversity loss and strengthen coastal resilience, TNC recommends that the updated BSAP prioritize the following: Expand Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to Safeguard Coastal Ecosystems Scale up protection in line with the global '30×30' target by designating new MPAs and implementing other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs). Prioritize the inclusion of biodiversity hotspots and underrepresented habitat types, notably areas such as South Lantau, Tung Chung, Port Shelter, and the coastal area of Deep Bay. Initiate Large-Scale Restoration of Degraded Oyster Ecosystems to reverse biodiversity loss and improve water qualityThe 2030 Global Biodiversity Framework recognises that conservation alone is not enough—restoration must be scaled up to reverse biodiversity loss. TNC and the University of Hong Kong have conducted territory-wide feasibility assessments, showing that oyster reef restoration is both scientifically sound and technically feasible. The key barrier is access to suitable seabed areas. To restore these vital ecosystems, we should: Include targeted restoration strategies in marine park management plans. Make seabed areas available for restoration efforts outside of protected areas. Launch reef restoration projects in at least 30% of suitable bays by 2030, to enhance biodiversity, improve water quality, and rebuild ecosystem resilience. Strengthen Legal Protection for Endangered Species and Ecosystems Establish and maintain an up-to-date list of locally threatened species and ecosystems to inform conservation priorities. To support this, TNC—together with the University of Hong Kong—is currently conducting an IUCN Red List of Ecosystems assessment for Hong Kong's oyster reefs, providing the scientific foundation needed to formally recognise and protect these endangered habitats. Update and amend legislation to formalize the list and extend legal protection to currently unprotected but endangered species—including oysters and key marine fishes. Develop species-specific action plans to recover endangered ecosystems such as oyster reefs, through expanded protected areas and scaled restoration. Scale up protection in line with the global '30×30' target by designating new MPAs and implementing other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs). Prioritize the inclusion of biodiversity hotspots and underrepresented habitat types, notably areas such as South Lantau, Tung Chung, Port Shelter, and the coastal area of Deep Bay. Include targeted restoration strategies in marine park management plans. Make seabed areas available for restoration efforts outside of protected areas. Launch reef restoration projects in at least 30% of suitable bays by 2030, to enhance biodiversity, improve water quality, and rebuild ecosystem resilience. Establish and maintain an up-to-date list of locally threatened species and ecosystems to inform conservation priorities. To support this, TNC—together with the University of Hong Kong—is currently conducting an IUCN Red List of Ecosystems assessment for Hong Kong's oyster reefs, providing the scientific foundation needed to formally recognise and protect these endangered habitats. Update and amend legislation to formalize the list and extend legal protection to currently unprotected but endangered species—including oysters and key marine fishes. Develop species-specific action plans to recover endangered ecosystems such as oyster reefs, through expanded protected areas and scaled restoration. 'This is a critical opportunity to share your voice in shaping the future of Hong Kong's marine environment. We stand at a crossroads; if we act now, we can bring back these once abundant ecosystems, securing cleaner water, healthy fisheries, and stronger coastlines for future generations, or we continue to destroy our oceans, possibly to a point of no return', said Marine Thomas, Associate Director of Conservation at TNC. TNC urges members of the public to participate in the BSAP consultation by emailing directly AFCD at bsap@ or visiting AFCD's dedicated website: for details on proposed updates to Hong Kong Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. The public consultation is open from May 12 to July 11, 2025. To learn more about oyster reefs and why they matter to Hong Kong, TNC is featured in the documentary 'City of Shells: Our Forgotten Oyster Reefs,' which explores the ecological, cultural, and historical significance of these lost ecosystems – and the opportunity to restore them. Watch the documentary at or visit the exhibition 'Reviving Hong Kong's Ocean Heritage: Our Forgotten Oyster Reefs' at Pacific Place from 29 May to 11 June for more details. About The Nature Conservancy Hong Kong (TNC)The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is the world's leading international conservation non-profit organization dedicated to protecting natural places and preserving life on Earth for future generations since 1951. TNC follows a science-based conservation approach to create innovative solutions to global conservation challenges and enable nature and people to thrive together. We are currently addressing climate change at an unprecedented scale by protecting lands, waters, and oceans in sustainable ways, providing food and water resources, and helping cities become more sustainable. Our projects span 81 countries and territories, using collaborative approaches with local communities, governments, private sector and others, to carry out various conservation projects and activities, including biodiversity conservation, forest conservation, marine conservation, climate change, and sustainable land use. TNC organizes various community projects and educational activities, aiming to promote public awareness and action towards environmental protection and sustainable development and to raise public awareness of natural environments and wildlife. TNC has been in Asia Pacific for almost 30 years with projects in Australia, mainland China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Mongolia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. TNC was awarded the 2019 Lui Che Woo Prize – Prize for Sustainable Development. For more about TNC's work, please visit: The Nature Conservancy ( If you also care about environmental protection and wildlife conservation, please support TNC's work, participate in our community projects and activities, and work together to protect the natural environment and wildlife, follow TNC Hong Kong's social platforms for more environmental conservation information: Facebook: TNC HK 大自然保護協會 Instagram: @tnc_hk About The Swire Institute of Marine Science (The University of Hong Kong)The Swire Institute of Marine Science (SWIMS) is one of the world's leading marine research institutions. The research of SWIMS' scientists is focused on the interaction of humanity and the ocean – SWIMS specialises in the study of coastal ecosystems, the shallow seas that hundreds of millions of people depend on for their livelihood. Using leading technology and novel, interdisciplinary methods, SWIMS studies the impact of human actions, such as climate change and pollution, on marine ecosystems and biodiversity, providing science-based solutions to conservation, restoration, and sustainable management of marine resources. Hong Kong's maritime traditions and marine biodiversity are SWIMS' local roots, but the impact is global. Since its foundation in 1990, SWIMS has trained hundreds of scientists from over 30 countries, who have gone on to play leading roles in marine research and conservation.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Urgent Call for Marine Protection: The Nature Conservancy Urges Stronger Safeguards and Restoration of Hong Kong's Endangered Oyster Reefs in Upcoming Biodiversity Policy Update
HONG KONG, May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is calling on the public to voice their support for greater marine conservation in Hong Kong's updated Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (BSAP), which is now open for public consultation for the coming two months. In light of the government's commitment to update the BSAP by the end of 2025, TNC urges the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) to include robust measures to protect and restore vital coastal ecosystems – particularly oyster reefs – which are among the most endangered marine habitats globally. Despite Hong Kong's rich marine biodiversity – home to over 5,900 species, or more than one-quarter of all marine species recorded in mainland China – marine conservation efforts have lagged far behind those on land. Only about 6% of Hong Kong's marine waters are protected, well below the global target of 30%. Many ecologically important habitats, including oyster reefs, remain outside of protected areas and face persistent threats, particularly in western waters. Oyster reefs and other shellfish reefs deliver vital benefits to people and the planet, including providing habitat for marine life, supporting fish production, regulating water quality and protecting coastlines. Yet, over the past two centuries, more than 85% of the world's shellfish ecosystems have been lost. Hong Kong is no exception. Historical dredging, reclamation, and urban development have decimated once-abundant oyster habitats across the territory. Today, any remaining oyster reefs are not officially recognised as ecologically important, are unprotected and therefore highly vulnerable to ongoing harvesting, degradation and reclamation projects, including the proposed Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands, which do not take shellfish reefs into account when conducting the Environmental Impact Assessment. "Ecological restoration presents a huge opportunity for nature and people. However, ecological restoration is not without its challenges, that's why it cannot replace nature conservation, and should never be used to justify the destruction or degradation of ecosystems", said Marine Thomas, Associate Director of Conservation, The Nature Conservancy Hong Kong (TNC). "The health of our marine ecosystems is crucial for a sustainable future," said Professor Bayden Russell, from the Swire Institute of Marine Science (SWIMS), The University of Hong Kong. "We must act now to restore our oyster reefs and protect our biodiversity." With the BSAP now under review, the public has a once-in-a-decade opportunity to advocate for stronger marine conservation policies and the health of Hong Kong waters. TNC will be submitting formal recommendations to AFCD and encourages the public to take part by submitting their views before the deadline on July 11, 2025. TNC's Key Recommendations for the BSAP To reverse biodiversity loss and strengthen coastal resilience, TNC recommends that the updated BSAP prioritize the following: Expand Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to Safeguard Coastal Ecosystems Scale up protection in line with the global "30x30" target by designating new MPAs and implementing other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs). Prioritize the inclusion of biodiversity hotspots and underrepresented habitat types, notably areas such as South Lantau, Tung Chung, Port Shelter, and the coastal area of Deep Bay. Initiate Large-Scale Restoration of Degraded Oyster Ecosystems to reverse biodiversity loss and improve water qualityThe 2030 Global Biodiversity Framework recognises that conservation alone is not enough—restoration must be scaled up to reverse biodiversity loss. TNC and the University of Hong Kong have conducted territory-wide feasibility assessments, showing that oyster reef restoration is both scientifically sound and technically feasible. The key barrier is access to suitable seabed areas. To restore these vital ecosystems, we should: Include targeted restoration strategies in marine park management plans. Make seabed areas available for restoration efforts outside of protected areas. Launch reef restoration projects in at least 30% of suitable bays by 2030, to enhance biodiversity, improve water quality, and rebuild ecosystem resilience. Strengthen Legal Protection for Endangered Species and Ecosystems Establish and maintain an up-to-date list of locally threatened species and ecosystems to inform conservation priorities. To support this, TNC—together with the University of Hong Kong—is currently conducting an IUCN Red List of Ecosystems assessment for Hong Kong's oyster reefs, providing the scientific foundation needed to formally recognise and protect these endangered habitats. Update and amend legislation to formalize the list and extend legal protection to currently unprotected but endangered species—including oysters and key marine fishes. Develop species-specific action plans to recover endangered ecosystems such as oyster reefs, through expanded protected areas and scaled restoration. "This is a critical opportunity to share your voice in shaping the future of Hong Kong's marine environment. We stand at a crossroads; if we act now, we can bring back these once abundant ecosystems, securing cleaner water, healthy fisheries, and stronger coastlines for future generations, or we continue to destroy our oceans, possibly to a point of no return", said Marine Thomas, Associate Director of Conservation at TNC. TNC urges members of the public to participate in the BSAP consultation by emailing directly AFCD at bsap@ or visiting AFCD's dedicated website: for details on proposed updates to Hong Kong Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. The public consultation is open from May 12 to July 11, 2025. To learn more about oyster reefs and why they matter to Hong Kong, TNC is featured in the documentary "City of Shells: Our Forgotten Oyster Reefs," which explores the ecological, cultural, and historical significance of these lost ecosystems – and the opportunity to restore them. Watch the documentary at or visit the exhibition "Reviving Hong Kong's Ocean Heritage: Our Forgotten Oyster Reefs" at Pacific Place from 29 May to 11 June for more details. About The Nature Conservancy Hong Kong (TNC)The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is the world's leading international conservation non-profit organization dedicated to protecting natural places and preserving life on Earth for future generations since 1951. TNC follows a science-based conservation approach to create innovative solutions to global conservation challenges and enable nature and people to thrive together. We are currently addressing climate change at an unprecedented scale by protecting lands, waters, and oceans in sustainable ways, providing food and water resources, and helping cities become more sustainable. Our projects span 81 countries and territories, using collaborative approaches with local communities, governments, private sector and others, to carry out various conservation projects and activities, including biodiversity conservation, forest conservation, marine conservation, climate change, and sustainable land use. TNC organizes various community projects and educational activities, aiming to promote public awareness and action towards environmental protection and sustainable development and to raise public awareness of natural environments and wildlife. TNC has been in Asia Pacific for almost 30 years with projects in Australia, mainland China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Mongolia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. TNC was awarded the 2019 Lui Che Woo Prize - Prize for Sustainable Development. For more about TNC's work, please visit: The Nature Conservancy ( If you also care about environmental protection and wildlife conservation, please support TNC's work, participate in our community projects and activities, and work together to protect the natural environment and wildlife, follow TNC Hong Kong's social platforms for more environmental conservation information: Facebook: TNC HK 大自然保護協會 Instagram: @tnc_hk About The Swire Institute of Marine Science (The University of Hong Kong)The Swire Institute of Marine Science (SWIMS) is one of the world's leading marine research institutions. The research of SWIMS' scientists is focused on the interaction of humanity and the ocean – SWIMS specialises in the study of coastal ecosystems, the shallow seas that hundreds of millions of people depend on for their livelihood. Using leading technology and novel, interdisciplinary methods, SWIMS studies the impact of human actions, such as climate change and pollution, on marine ecosystems and biodiversity, providing science-based solutions to conservation, restoration, and sustainable management of marine resources. Hong Kong's maritime traditions and marine biodiversity are SWIMS' local roots, but the impact is global. Since its foundation in 1990, SWIMS has trained hundreds of scientists from over 30 countries, who have gone on to play leading roles in marine research and conservation. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE The Nature Conservancy
