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The seminar placed its focus on improving the effectiveness of CITES implementation; protection of endangered species among oriental medicinal specialists and controlling illegal trade and reinforcing customs inspections.
Speaking at the seminar, Dr So pointed out that Hong Kong had for many years been fully committed to the implementation of CITES. It had one of the strictest legislation in the region.
He said in support of international concern over the use of endangered species, especially rhino and tiger ingredients, in traditional Chinese medicines, the Hong Kong Government had stepped up controls last year.
Apart from prohibiting the import and export of rhino and tiger parts, Hong Kong's legislation also prohibited the possession and trading of medicine containing or claiming to contain rhino or tiger ingredients.
On the enforcement side, an Endangered Species Protection Liaison Group was set up in late 1993 to co-ordinate enforcement actions of the Customs, Police and the Agriculture and Fisheries Department.
Last year, there were a total of 557 successful prosecutions under the Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance, resulting in a total fine of $1.4 million.
The levels of penalties for such offences had also been sharply increased early this year to reflect the seriousness Hong Kong attached to this kind of offences.
People who illegally trade in highly endangered species will now have to face a maximum penalty of a $5 million fine and imprisonment for two years.
Dr So was glad to share his experiences on Hong Kong's implementation of CITES with the participants at the seminar, stressing that co-operation in the region was vital in stamping out such illegal trade.
End/Thursday, March 9, 1995
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