HONG KONG – Hong Kong’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), Ocean Park Corporation and Lingnan University jointly opened the first International Conference on Integrated Conservation of Asian Turtles, bringing together more than 100 experts to address the region’s escalating turtle conservation crisis.

The ceremony was officiated by AFCD Assistant Director (Conservation) Simon Chan Kin-fung, Ocean Park Chief Executive Ivan Wong, Lingnan University President S. Joe Qin, Ocean Park Executive Director of Zoological Operations Howard Chuk, and Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden Executive Director Wander Meijer.

Chan said Hong Kong is home to five native freshwater turtle species, including the Big-headed Turtle, Golden Coin Turtle and Beale’s-eyed Turtle, but many now survive only in fragmented populations under threat from illegal hunting. He noted AFCD’s integrated enforcement and science-based approach had led to convictions with prison sentences of up to 20 months, serving as a deterrent to poaching.

Wong said Ocean Park was honoured to co-host the event, highlighting the park’s role in research, rescue and rehabilitation. He pointed to initiatives such as breeding programmes for Beale’s-eyed turtles, rehabilitation of confiscated turtles, and student-led conservation education.

Qin stressed Lingnan University’s commitment to applying research towards United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, adding that the conference provided a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration to reverse rapid declines in wild turtle populations.

The four-day event features around 50 presentations on topics ranging from forensic technologies to combat illegal trade, veterinary care, and captive breeding for reintroduction. AFCD and Hong Kong Customs officials also joined discussions on enforcement against poaching and wildlife trafficking.

Conference Secretary Prof Anthony Lau said the gathering would catalyse international collaboration, including exchanges of captive-bred animals and enhanced anti-poaching strategies. A panel chaired by Lingnan University’s Prof Jonathan Fong and Prof Sung Yik-hei will focus on conservation in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, where three native freshwater turtle species are critically endangered.

Keynote speaker Prof Ricky Spencer of Western Sydney University will present on community-driven conservation in Australia, while other experts will share experiences from Taiwan and Bangladesh, including rewilding programmes and anti-smuggling efforts.

The program also includes field visits to Ocean Park and Kadoorie Farm’s breeding facilities, and a student poster competition involving 17 schools to encourage youth participation in conservation.