This two-day conference will cover various topics across the issue of illegal and unsustainable wildlife trade (IUWT), with a focus on Hong Kong.
In this conference, we will explore the global and regional issues from the position of Hong Kong, one of the world’s hot spots for IUWT. The two days will be structured into thematic discussions in the form of keynote talks, paired talks, poster sessions, interactive events, and creative sessions. Our topics will meet a ‘call-to-answer’ format, discussing problems such as our greatest concerns in IUWT, how to tackle trade problems of under-represented taxa such as plants and invertebrates, and the obstacles to international enforcement. We will then also discuss proposed solutions, including the tools that can help solve wildlife crime problems (e.g., across multiple fields of genetics, anatomy, chemistry, materials science, criminology, social science, and law), and areas for improved interdisciplinary collaboration.
Presentations
Communication
We have some exciting keynote speeches and panellist sessions planned under two themes:
Theme 1: Challenges & collaborative solutions to tackling IUWT
Theme 2: Integrating new opportunities for HK’s effort against IUWT
We also have opportunities for participants to submit abstracts under the following three presentation types, should they wish to:
- Speed talks
- Individual talks
- Posters
The conference participants will include scientists and non-scientists from a range of disciplines at different career stages. So, please tailor your talk so that it is easy for the multidisciplinary audience to understand.
Technology
Given the limited time, it would streamline things if you could send your slides (16:9 ppt format) at least 3 working days before the conference (8th May). We will use a Macbook for all the presentations, so please make sure that any videos/audio are in MP3/MP4/AV1 format and embedded in the ppt.
In addition to presentation slides, you are welcome to use any kind of visual support to make your presentation exciting should you wish!
Events
Mixer evening
There will be a conference mixer on one evening during the conference week, with a chance to meet and mingle with other conference participants.
More information to come.
Post-conference
There will be post-conference tours on Wednesday (15th May) at Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden or at Mai Po Wetlands Reserve (see below).
Spaces are limited to 20 in each location on a first-come, first-served basis. REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED.
Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden
This conference celebrates the biodiversity of life and calls for actionable solutions to prevent its over-exploitation. This vision is held strongly also by Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG) – a local NGO and wildlife rehabilitation centre working to conserve local and illegally traded wildlife in Hong Kong.
KFBG is offering a unique package half-day ‘Conservation Tour’ including visits and talks at the Wildlife Animal Rescue Centre, the famous Orchid Nursery, and some breath-taking stop-offs to admire Hong Kong’s countryside and mountainous views (transportation and conservation support included).
Mai Po
Nature Reserve
Usually known for its city landscapes rather than its natural ones, visitors are surprised to realise that an impressive >40% of Hong Kong consists of country parks and protected areas. Located in the Northwest of the territory, Mai Po Nature Reserve holds an impressive diversity of wetland ecosystems (gei wai, freshwater ponds, intertidal mudflats, mangroves, and reed beds), hosting a diverse community of plant and animal species
With tens of thousands of migratory waterbirds visiting each year, this protected area is a Wetland of International Importance under the prestigious Ramsar Convention. We will offer a unique opportunity for 20 conference participants to partake in a one-day tour to experience Mai Po’s spectacular diversity, led by an expert wildlife guide.