Hong Kong Commences Public Consultation on Updating Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan

Strategic Insights -

The Hong Kong government has kicked off a two-month public consultation on updating the Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (BSAP) with the aim of gathering views from various sectors of the community to update strategic areas and actions for the next phase of the BSAP. The proposed updates include four strategic areas: nature conservation, deepening mainstreaming, capacity building, and collaborative partnering. The consultation document emphasizes the importance of biodiversity in daily lives and the need to strike a balance between development needs and conservation. The public consultation will end on July 11, and the government will complete updating the BSAP later this year.

Key Takeaways:

  • The public consultation on updating the BSAP will last for two months, ending on July 11.
  • The proposed updates include four strategic areas: nature conservation, deepening mainstreaming, capacity building, and collaborative partnering.
  • The consultation aims to gather views from various sectors of the community to update strategic areas and actions for the next phase of the BSAP.
  • The Government has implemented numerous conservation measures, including restoring degraded or declining habitats and strengthening the protection of species of concern.
  • The proposed updates will support the latest global and national initiatives, including the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the China National Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and Action Plan (2023-2030).
  • The consultation document emphasizes the importance of biodiversity in daily lives and the need to strike a balance between development needs and conservation.
  • The Government will complete updating the BSAP later this year, incorporating views from the public consultation and relevant sectors.

Statistics:

  • The first phase of the BSAP proposed a total of 67 specific measures in four main areas.
  • The Government has already implemented numerous conservation measures, including restoring degraded or declining habitats and strengthening the protection of species of concern.
  • The proposed updates highlight the importance of capacity building, with a focus on promoting research and talent development.
  • The consultation period will end on July 11, with views from the public to be collected through email, post, and fax.
  • The Government will also invite organizations from relevant sectors to attend consultation sessions during the consultation period.

Sources:

  • Hong Kong SAR Government: "Hong Kong commences public consultation on updating biodiversity strategy and action plan" (May 12)
  • Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) Website: "Updating the Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (BSAP)"
  • Contify.com: "Hong Kong Commences Public Consultation on Updating Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan"