TNAG-0470-FCO40-535-Legislation-for-protection-of-wild-life-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 28

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FEPHASISES that governments, before issuing permits to scientific institutions to collect specimens for scientific purposes, should satisfy themselves that the collection of such material is justified for the purposes of the research in question and will not endanger the population of the species.

4.

RECOGNISING the considerable value of the Conventions for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Birds in Danger of Extinction concluded between the U.S.A. and Japan, the U.S.S.R. and Japan, and Australia and Japan;

(a) CONDS the Japanese Government for having taken the initiative in this matter and

URCES the Australian Government to follow this initiative in this matter by ratifying the bilateral agreement }

(b) RECOMMENDS governments in the East Asian and Pacific regions to conclude similar conventions to afford greater protection to the migratory and endangered species of those areas.

5.

(a) RECOMMENDS that the governments of East Asian countries consider the establishment of an international Institute to coordinate the studies of bird migration and other problems of movement of birds;

(b) RECOMMENDS that international agencies should consider financial assistance for such an Institute.

6.

RECOGNISING that conventions for the protection of migratory birds are of little value if the habitats of the species aro destroyed;

CONCERNED about the continuing losses or deterioration of wetlands because of drainage, development or pollution;

AWARE that these wetlands provide essential habitat for waterfowl (as defined in the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat);

RECOMMENDS that all governments sign and ratify the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat, and protect their wetlands.

8.

RECOGNISING that the continued survival of birds depends especially upon the naintenance of suitable habitat (or biotope) in large enough units and in proper geographical patterns;

RECOGNISING that many populations of birds have become endangered partly because of the destruction of their habitat and that continuing pressures for the destruction of habitat will put additional populations and species in jeopardy}

RECOGNISING that effective land-use planning is necessary for the conservation of habitat;

URGES that governments adopt land-use planning at all levels (local, national, and where possible international); (a) incorporating ecological principles including comprehensive inventories of natural resources; (b) acknowledging that wildlife populations and