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Hong Kong environmental issues
OpinionComment
Christine Loh
Christine Loh

Opinion | Hong Kong should lead the crackdown on wildlife smuggling and exotic pets

  • Hong Kong can make a real difference by reforming its reputation as a major trafficking hub and tackling an issue of global importance
  • Former law enforcer John Lee needs to design a policy of maximum impact that will ensure fighting wildlife crime is a major legacy of his administration

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From the left, Sam Inglis, ADM Capital Foundation’s wildlife programme manager, Christie Wong, wildlife programme officer at ADM Capital Foundation, and Dr Bosco Chan, conservation director at WWF-Hong Kong, call for tougher laws on the trade in exotic pets and wildlife smuggling, at the WWF office in Central, on September 6. Photo: May Tse
Christine Loh

Hong Kong can make a big difference to its international standing by choosing the right issue to champion. It must be a significant global matter, and Hong Kong must be able to make a major difference.

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There aren’t too many issues where government action would be a big shot in the arm. But there is one that plays to Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s strengths, with his background in the disciplinary services.

Lee rose through the police ranks because he was smart and honest. Never seeking the limelight, he kept his head down and worked hard. His sense of responsibility was strong, which he showed when he became undersecretary for security in 2012, then secretary for security in 2017, before being appointed chief secretary in 2021 and, finally, chief executive last year.

Few would argue where Lee should focus in domestic policy – narrowing the wealth gap and providing adequate housing are clearly crucial.
Where Lee could truly make a difference locally, nationally and internationally is to fight the illegal wildlife trade. Hong Kong is a key global conduit for animals, both dead and alive, plants and fungi – and this has an impact on biodiversity worldwide.
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Hong Kong is a major wildlife trafficking centre precisely because it is one of the world’s busiest trading hubs and financial centres. In May alone, customs seized dried shark fin suspected to be from endangered species, live star tortoises and other contraband worth millions. There have been other successful seizures since Lee assumed office.
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