How Should We Protect Endangered Species?
There are some easy ways we can protect vulnerable species from extinction. Let’s act now!
1. Learn more about the endangered species and their impacts on the ecosystem.
2. Recycle and buy sustainable products
Never buy products made of wood from rainforests or endangered trees. Recycle used products such as your cell phones because the mining of related resources would damage soil and natural habitats.
3. Purchase or grow native plants
Invasive species compete with native species for resources and habitat, thus threatening biodiversity. Native plants not only attract native insects and birds, but also help with pollinating native flowers.
4. Support green footprint
Support public transport, use biodegradable products and adopt an energy-saving lifestyle so as to reduce carbon emission.
5. Replace plastic products
Bring Your Own Bag (BYOB) and reuse plastic containers, and SAY NO to plastic straws since they are among the top 10 marine debris items found on our beaches! Wild animals may get tangled in these products, and sometimes may die of eating these products.
6. Volunteer your time to protect the environment
Join voluntary work such as picking up litter and educating visitors to protect wildlife.
7. Black out the Black Market
When we travel, we should not buy any souvenirs which are made of endangered species. Besides, we should avoid supporting the market in illegal wildlife including tortoise shell, ivory and coral.
Other methods:
1. Captive method
It refers to the breeding of rare and endangered species by captive breeding, such as wildlife reserves, zoos and other conservation facilities. In China, captive breeding has saved animals such as the giant panda from extinction and so stabilize the population which will then be released into their natural habitats.
2. Enforcement of laws
Hong Kong implemented the International Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1976 through the enactment of the Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance, Cap. 187. The Ordinance was replaced by the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, Cap. 586, in December 2006. If you want to import, export, re-export or even possess an endangered species, its parts or derivatives, you must obtain a licence in advance from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. In general, the trade in highly endangered species is prohibited, while anyone who contravenes the requirements of the Ordinance will be prosecuted. Convicted offenders are liable to a maximum fine of HKD 5 million and imprisonment for two years.
3. Reward scheme for informers
If you are aware of any illegal activities in endangered species, you can inform the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. Registered informers who provide reliable information that leads to the successful seizure of endangered species or to a conviction will be rewarded with cash. All information is kept strictly confidential. You can register with the scheme by calling 2150 6978.