Lingnan University and Ocean Park hold first international conference on conservation of Asian turtles
The conference brings together more than a hundred experts from around the world.
Opening ceremony of the inaugural International Conference on Integrated Conservation of Asian Turtles (ICAT).
Lingnan University, Ocean Park Hong Kong and Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong joined hands to host the inaugural International Conference on Integrated Conservation of Asian Turtles (ICAT) on 27-30 March. The conference, attended by more than 180 leading scholars, scientists, zookeepers, veterinarians, policymakers, educators, and other experts from 19 countries and regions examined the latest research findings and practical conservation, as well as strategies to combat the illegal poaching of Asian turtles, and enhance protection for endangered species.
Over the four days of the conference, about 50 academic presentations and keynote speeches covered forensic technologies for combating illegal trade, veterinary care, and efforts to boost wild populations of endangered Asian turtles through captive breeding and reintroduction to natural habitats. Officers from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department, who are at the forefront of combating turtle poaching and illegal wildlife trade in Hong Kong, also attended the conference.
Asian turtles are an important species in the ecosystem, but their wild populations are declining at an alarming rate.
Mr Simon Chan Kin-fung, Assistant Director (Conservation) of the Conservation Branch of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), delivers a speech.
Mr Ivan Wong, Chief Executive of Ocean Park Corporation, delivers a speech.
Prof S. Joe Qin, President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science of Lingnan University, delivers a speech.
Prof Jonathan Fong, Associate Professor of the Division of Science of Lingnan University and Prof Sung Yik-hei, Adjunct Assistant Professor of the Division of Science of Lingnan University and Lecturer at the University of Suffolk, Co-chairs of the conference; Prof Anthony Lau, Assistant Professor of the Division of Science at Lingnan University and the conference’s Secretary. (From left: Prof Sung Yik-hei, Prof Jonathan Fong and Prof Anthony Lau)