Here you can learn about Hong Kong's international commitment to endangered species, local initiatives to protect them, what the Government is doing to regulate the trade in endangered species, public awareness activities and the Endangered Species Resource Centre.

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, and anyone who contravenes the requirements of the Ordinance will be prosecuted. Convicted offenders are liable to a maximum fine of 5 million Hong Kong dollars and imprisonment for two years.

The strict implementation of the Convention and the legislation has produced a number of successful results. From 2004 to 2006, more than 1,400 seizures were made. These included 3,580 head of freshwater turtles from Malaysia in June 2004 and nine shipments containing a total of 9,843 head of frozen pangolin carcasses and 4,167 kilograms of pangolin scales from Malaysia and Indonesia between September 2004 and July 2006. Moreover, a shipment of 605 ivory tusks from Cameroon was seized in May 2006.

• More on the Convention
  http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/conservation/con_end/con_end_doc/con_end_doc.html
• More on the Ordinance
  http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/conservation/con_end/con_end_reg/con_end_reg_ord/con_end_reg_ord.html
• Guidelines on applying for a licence
  http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/conservation/con_end/con_end_lc/con_end_lc_guide/con_end_lc_guide.html

If you are aware of any illegal activities with endangered species you can help 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. Further information on the scheme can be obtained from the Department’s website.

• More on the Reward Scheme
  http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/conservation/con_end/con_end_rew/con_end_rew.html

To boost public awareness of the need to protect endangered species, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department organises many activities in which you can be involved. Aside from advertising and educational materials that you can read, exhibitions and talks are held for people of all ages. You are also encouraged to participate in joint campaigns, such as those that have been conducted in collaboration with the Guangdong Government, Reader's Digest Asia and RTHK Radio 2.

• Information on the latest activities
  http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/conservation/con_end/con_end_pub/con_end_pub_act/con_end_pub_act.html

You can attend by yourself to view exhibits and information on endangered species at the Endangered Species Resource Centre.  Situated in Cheung Sha Wan, the Endangered Species Resource Centre is the centrepiece of the Government's education efforts. The Centre is operated by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. Covering approximately 1,700 square feet, over 600 specimens of 200 endangered species are on display. And audio-visual and interactive computer displays make learning more enjoyable. In view of space limitations at the Centre, group bookings should be made in advance through submission of application form or by telephone at 2150 6974.

• Location: 6th Floor, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong
• Opening Hours: 
  -  Group visits: 10:00 am – 12:00 noon and 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm
  -  Individual visits: Friday 2:00 pm – 5:45 pm

• More on the Resource Centre
  http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/conservation/con_end/con_end_pub/con_end_pub_esrc/con_end_pub_esrc.html
• Group bookings to visit the Resource Centre
  http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/conservation/con_end/con_end_pub/con_end_pub_esrc/files/esrc_application_08032007_eng.doc