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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.
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Time of India
Security in Bodh Gaya is always tight: Dist admin
Gaya: With Bihar put on high alert, especially around tourist spots, after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Gaya district officials said on Thursday that the security in Bodh Gaya, especially in and around world heritage Mahabodhi Mahavihara , has always been tight since the serial bomb blasts in 2013. Bihar State Armed Police (BSAP) has been given command of the security of the Mahavihara. Apart from this, high-resolution night-vision closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras have been installed at every nook and corner of the premises. District magistrate-cum-Bodh Gaya temple management committee (BTMC) chairman Thiyagarajan S M said apart from the Gaya district and the police administration, the security in and around Bodh Gaya is reviewed at regular interval by senior state officials. "Visitors have to go through three-layer security check to enter the Mahavihara. Electronic security gadgets like baggage scanner, and hand-held as well as door-frame metal detectors are in operation to ensure a foolproof security check at the Mahavihara. Recently, entry with cellphones have been banned on the Mahavihara premises," he said, adding regular patrolling by district police and the tourist police force is being done at all such sites. Gaya: With Bihar put on high alert, especially around tourist spots, after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Gaya district officials said on Thursday that the security in Bodh Gaya, especially in and around world heritage Mahabodhi Mahavihara, has always been tight since the serial bomb blasts in 2013. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Experience three trade fairs with just one ticket Undo automatica 2025 Undo Laser World of Photonics Undo World of Quantum Undo Visit automatica: June 24-27, Munich Undo Bihar State Armed Police (BSAP) has been given command of the security of the Mahavihara. Apart from this, high-resolution night-vision closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras have been installed at every nook and corner of the premises. District magistrate-cum-Bodh Gaya temple management committee (BTMC) chairman Thiyagarajan S M said apart from the Gaya district and the police administration, the security in and around Bodh Gaya is reviewed at regular interval by senior state officials. "Visitors have to go through three-layer security check to enter the Mahavihara. Electronic security gadgets like baggage scanner, and hand-held as well as door-frame metal detectors are in operation to ensure a foolproof security check at the Mahavihara. Recently, entry with cellphones have been banned on the Mahavihara premises," he said, adding regular patrolling by district police and the tourist police force is being done at all such sites.
NBC News
04-04-2025
- Politics
- NBC News
Haiti taking more steps against gangs after thousands of protesters demand security
The leader of Haiti's transitional presidential council tried to allay surging alarm among Haitians over rampant gang violence by acknowledging Thursday that the country has 'become hell for everyone' and promising new measures to stop the bloodshed. Fritz Alphonse Jean spoke a day after gunfire erupted in the capital, Port-au-Prince, as thousands of protesters demanding an end to gang violence clashed with police outside the offices of the council and the prime minister. It was the biggest protest held since the council was installed a year ago. 'Haitian people, you've spoken, and we've heard you,' Jean said. 'We understand your misery. We know your pain and your suffering.' More than 4,200 people have been reported killed across Haiti from July to February, and another 1,356 were injured, according to the U.N. Recent gang violence also left more than 60,000 people homeless in one month alone, according to the U.N.'s International Organization for Migration. 'This national address comes at a decisive moment for the transitional government,' said Diego Da Rin, an analyst with the International Crisis Group. 'Protesters from various parts of the capital deliberately marched toward key government buildings to express their frustration.' He noted that Jean's address marked the first anniversary of the political agreement that established the new transitional government's structure and objectives. Since then, cohesion between political parties involved in creating that government 'has now largely collapsed,' Da Rin said. 'The groups that originally supported this government are now calling for a change in leadership,' he noted. The council has not addressed those concerns, which also have been voiced by the international community. During his public address, Jean rattled off a list of neighborhoods that gangs have recently attacked. 'You lost your homes, you lost your businesses, you lost your jobs, they raped you, they raped your kids. The criminal gangs killed a lot of people,' he said. 'The fight against the darkness is not insignificant. But we are not insignificant ourselves… It's nothing compared with the battle we fought to get out of slavery.' Jean referenced how Haiti became the world's first free Black republic in a bid to rally support from Haitians, asking them to help law enforcement officials and eschew efforts by gangs to recruit people, especially children. 'Don't let people profit from your distress and drag you in bad directions,' he said. Jean said the council would take 'important measures' to help quell the persistent violence, including setting aside a special budget and incorporating agents from an armed state environmental group known as BSAP. 'The council asks the prime minister and the police to take these measures without delay,' Jean said. 'We are telling everyone in this government that we are at war.' Jean did not provide further details, including how much money would be set aside for the budget and how many BSAP agents would join the fight against gangs. Jean also said that the electoral council is working so that Haiti can have new leadership once the transitional presidential council's term ends on Feb. 7 next year. He added that officials are taking steps so that the diaspora can vote in what would be Haiti's first general elections held in almost a decade. Haiti has not had a president since former President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated in 2021, with gangs becoming increasingly powerful in the aftermath. Last year, a U.N.-backed mission led by Kenyan police arrived in Haiti to help local authorities quell gang violence, but the mission remains understaffed and underfunded, with only about 40% of the 2,500 personnel originally envisioned. Jean's speech did not appear to resonate with those most affected by gang violence. Mario Jean-Pierre, a 53-year-old street vendor who sells used clothes that he carries on his back, said he wasn't impressed by the public address. Gang violence recently forced him and his two children to move into a makeshift shelter in the yard of Haiti's Ministry of Public Works. 'Flying bullets are coming at you in different directions,' he said. 'I've seen a few people in this camp who were hit by bullets as they slept.' He worries constantly about his children's safety and said he didn't believe Jean's pledge to improve security. 'This speech is not any different from other speeches,' he said. 'They keep making promises and don't accomplish any of the promises they've made.' Da Rin noted that throughout his speech, Jean emphasized the transnational dimension of Haiti's security crisis, stressing that the gang issue is part of a broader problem involving money laundering and arms and drugs trafficking that spans several countries. 'By framing Haiti's gang problem as a matter of transnational crime that goes beyond Haiti's borders, the president seems to be seeking to rally international support for further security assistance that matches the escalating threats,' he said.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Haiti announces new measures to fight gangs after thousands of protesters demand security
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — The leader of Haiti's transitional presidential council announced Thursday that it was taking measures to crack down on a surge in gang violence, acknowledging that the country has 'become hell for everyone.' Fritz Alphonse Jean spoke a day after gunfire erupted in the Port-au-Prince capital as thousands of protesters demanding an end to gang violence clashed with police outside the offices of the council and the prime minister. It was the biggest protest held since the council was installed a year ago. 'Haitian people, you've spoken, and we've heard you,' Jean said. 'We understand your misery. We know your pain and your suffering.' More than 4,200 people have been reported killed across Haiti from July to February, and another 1,356 were injured, according to the U.N. Recent gang violence also left more than 60,000 people homeless in one month alone, according to the U.N.'s International Organization for Migration. 'This national address comes at a decisive moment for the transitional government,' said Diego Da Rin, an analyst with the International Crisis Group. 'Protesters from various parts of the capital deliberately marched toward key government buildings to express their frustration.' He noted that Jean's address marked the first anniversary of the political agreement that established the new transitional government's structure and objectives. Since then, cohesion between political parties involved in creating that government 'has now largely collapsed,' Da Rin said. 'The groups that originally supported this government are now calling for a change in leadership,' he noted. The council has not addressed those concerns, which also have been voiced by the international community. During his public address, Jean rattled off a list of neighborhoods that gangs have recently attacked. 'You lost your homes, you lost your businesses, you lost your jobs, they raped you, they raped your kids. The criminal gangs killed a lot of people,' he said. 'The fight against the darkness is not insignificant. But we are not insignificant ourselves… It's nothing compared with the battle we fought to get out of slavery.' Jean referenced how Haiti became the world's first free Black republic in a bid to rally support from Haitians, asking them to help law enforcement officials and eschew efforts by gangs to recruit people, especially children. 'Don't let people profit from your distress and drag you in bad directions,' he said. Jean said the council would take 'important measures' to help quell the persistent violence, including setting aside a special budget and incorporating agents from an armed state environmental group known as BSAP. 'The council asks the prime minister and the police to take these measures without delay,' Jean said. 'We are telling everyone in this government that we are at war.' Jean did not provide further details, including how much money would be set aside for the budget and how many BSAP agents would join the fight against gangs. Jean also said that the electoral council is working so that Haiti can have new leadership once the transitional presidential council's term ends on Feb. 7 next year. He added that officials are taking steps so that the diaspora can vote in what would be the first general elections held in almost a decade. Haiti has not had a president since former President Jovenel Moïse was killed in July 2021, with gangs becoming increasingly powerful in the aftermath. Last year, a U.N.-backed mission led by Kenyan police arrived in Haiti to help local authorities quell gang violence, but the mission remains understaffed and underfunded, with only about 40% of the 2,500 personnel originally envisioned. Da Rin noted that throughout his speech, Jean emphasized the transnational dimension of Haiti's security crisis, stressing that the gang issue is part of a broader problem involving money laundering and arms and drugs trafficking that spans several countries. 'By framing Haiti's gang problem as a matter of transnational crime that goes beyond Haiti's borders, the president seems to be seeking to rally international support for further security assistance that matches the escalating threats,' he said. ___ Coto reported from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The Independent
03-04-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Haiti announces new measures to fight gangs after thousands of protesters demand security
The leader of Haiti's transitional presidential council announced Thursday that it was taking measures to crack down on a surge in gang violence, acknowledging that the country has 'become hell for everyone.' Fritz Alphonse Jean spoke a day after gunfire erupted in the Port-au-Prince capital as thousands of protesters demanding an end to gang violence clashed with police outside the offices of the council and the prime minister. It was the biggest protest held since the council was installed a year ago. 'Haitian people, you've spoken, and we've heard you,' Jean said. 'We understand your misery. We know your pain and your suffering.' More than 4,200 people have been reported killed across Haiti from July to February, and another 1,356 were injured, according to the U.N. Recent gang violence also left more than 60,000 people homeless in one month alone, according to the U.N.'s International Organization for Migration. 'This national address comes at a decisive moment for the transitional government,' said Diego Da Rin, an analyst with the International Crisis Group. ' Protesters from various parts of the capital deliberately marched toward key government buildings to express their frustration.' He noted that Jean's address marked the first anniversary of the political agreement that established the new transitional government's structure and objectives. Since then, cohesion between political parties involved in creating that government 'has now largely collapsed,' Da Rin said. 'The groups that originally supported this government are now calling for a change in leadership,' he noted. The council has not addressed those concerns, which also have been voiced by the international community. During his public address, Jean rattled off a list of neighborhoods that gangs have recently attacked. 'You lost your homes, you lost your businesses, you lost your jobs, they raped you, they raped your kids. The criminal gangs killed a lot of people,' he said. 'The fight against the darkness is not insignificant. But we are not insignificant ourselves… It's nothing compared with the battle we fought to get out of slavery.' Jean referenced how Haiti became the world's first free Black republic in a bid to rally support from Haitians, asking them to help law enforcement officials and eschew efforts by gangs to recruit people, especially children. 'Don't let people profit from your distress and drag you in bad directions,' he said. Jean said the council would take 'important measures' to help quell the persistent violence, including setting aside a special budget and incorporating agents from an armed state environmental group known as BSAP. 'The council asks the prime minister and the police to take these measures without delay,' Jean said. 'We are telling everyone in this government that we are at war.' Jean did not provide further details, including how much money would be set aside for the budget and how many BSAP agents would join the fight against gangs. Jean also said that the electoral council is working so that Haiti can have new leadership once the transitional presidential council's term ends on Feb. 7 next year. He added that officials are taking steps so that the diaspora can vote in what would be the first general elections held in almost a decade. Haiti has not had a president since former President Jovenel Moïse was killed in July 2021, with gangs becoming increasingly powerful in the aftermath. Last year, a U.N.-backed mission led by Kenyan police arrived in Haiti to help local authorities quell gang violence, but the mission remains understaffed and underfunded, with only about 40% of the 2,500 personnel originally envisioned. Da Rin noted that throughout his speech, Jean emphasized the transnational dimension of Haiti's security crisis, stressing that the gang issue is part of a broader problem involving money laundering and arms and drugs trafficking that spans several countries. 'By framing Haiti's gang problem as a matter of transnational crime that goes beyond Haiti's borders, the president seems to be seeking to rally international support for further security assistance that matches the escalating threats,' he said. ___
