HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 4 April 1990
香港立法局————————— 一九九0年四月四日
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Following widespread concern internationally over the continued decline of the African Elephant, parties to the Convention on Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) have declared that species to be highly endangered. A ban on international trade in ivory came into effect in January this year. This ban did not immediately apply to Hong Kong because the United Kingdom Government had, at our request, entered a reservation with CITES the effect of which was to delay implementation of the ban until 17 July 1990.
This "breathing" space has given Hong Kong traders an opportunity to dispose of some of their ivory in a more orderly way. It has also allowed workers in the trade to find alternative jobs, and for the Government to make available retraining courses to those workers needing to acquire new skills. Controls to implement the ban on international trade in ivory must, however, be in place by mid-July.
Hitherto, controls over trade in highly endangered species have been effected by the Director of Agriculture and Fisheries considering, and rejecting on an individual basis each and every application for the licence required to import or export. This has proved unsatisfactory. The Bill introduces, in clause 3, a provision requiring the Director not to issue import or export licences in respect of highly endangered species save in specified circumstances. The species concerned are listed in a new sixth schedule, introduced under clause 4 of the Bill. Of these species, the African Elephant is the one which will attract most attention. The introduction of this legislation will ensure that, from 17 July 1990, no commercial import or export of raw or worked ivory will be permitted. However, in line with CITES rules, the import and export of personal possessions, of preconvention stock, of scientific specimens, exhibits and for other non-commercial purposes in the public interest will be allowed to continue. statemes freut, we stoves without
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Sir, Hong Kong is part of the international community and must be seen to be playing its role in international affairs. We take our CITES obligations seriously and we already have tighter controls over the ivory trade than anywhere else. We are committed to strict enforcement of the ban once it comes into force.
Sir, I move that debate on this motion be adjourned.
Question on the adjournment proposed, put and agreed to.