Press Releases
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Regional CITES enforcement training seminar held in HK The lucrative illegal trade in endangered species in the fast developing Asian region must be stopped with strong enforcement as there is an increasing pressure on many species of animals and plants for the purposes of food, souvenir and medicine. This was stated by the Deputy Director of Agriculture and Fisheries (AFD), Mr Richard Yip Shui-ming, in his opening address of the regional enforcement training seminar in connection with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) held in Hong Kong today (Monday). Sharing Hong Kong's approach in CITES enforcement, Mr Yip said: "We have strict legislation giving effect to CITES. The legislation provides for a maximum penalty of a fine for $5 million and imprisonment for two years. "Our enforcement work is supported by an Endangered Species Protection Liaison Group which is convened by AFD with representatives from both the Customs and Excise Department and the Police," he said. On training of officers, Mr Yip said AFD officers attended training courses run by the Customs and Excise Department and the Police while training lectures were also provided by AFD to other enforcement agencies. Mr Yip noted that AFD had maintained frequent and effective dialogue with local traders in securing their understanding and co-operation since traders themselves had an important role in eliminating illegal trade and in utilizing natural resources in a sustainable way. He said Hong Kong also participated actively in international programmes in connection with the protection of endangered species. An AFD officer recently shared our successful experience in law enforcement against the illegal trade in Tibetan antelope at an international workshop held in China. CITES provides the broad framework for the regulation or restriction of international trade in listed species. The effective enforcement of CITES requires participating parties' control of the legal international trade in CITES-listed species, and the application of all measures to stop illegal international trade in these species. Trainers from the CITES Secretariat, United Kingdom Customs, New Zealand and TRAFFIC International will share their experiences with more than 50 participants from 10 Asian countries. New methodologies and techniques for investigation of illegal trade will also be discussed. The five-day seminar is organised by the CITES Secretariat with financial contribution made by the HKSAR Government. |
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