WILDLIFE CRIME

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CONCLUSION that although Hong Kong is a free port, it has zero tolerance for wildlife crime. Furthermore, Hong Kong is in the process of preparing a Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan in accordance with the requirements of CBD such that addressing the issues highlighted herein should be part of that strategy to ensure the relevant Aichi targets are met. It is the intention of this position paper to urge the HKSAR Government to engage with relevant experts and civil society and allocate the necessary resources to AFCD and CED. This would ensure the problems we have highlighted can be adequately addressed. Our recommendations below are intended to represent best practice, address loopholes and reflect the increasing global concern relative to international wildlife crime. 33
6 POLICY CONSIDERATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR GOVERNMENT Wildlife crime is both organised and serious crime Wildlife crime, such as illegal trade, is largely addressed in Hong Kong through Cap 60 enforced by CED and Cap 586, enforced by AFCD. Cap 60 contains loopholes that facilitate trafficking, specifically of marine species, and Cap 586 is focused on conservation and protection and is not necessarily equipped with the appropriate powers to deter offenders and combat transnational organized wildlife crime. Furthermore, it is only through engagement with highly trained ‘mainstream’ enforcement bodies and agencies that effective response and combating may be achieved, both locally and between countries. No agency can deal with wildlife crime on its own. Effective deterrence requires collaboration, cooperation and coordination, nationally, regionally and globally. As such wildlife crime should, where appropriate, be treated as both ‘organised’ crime and ‘serious’ crime (as defined by the UN Convention against Transnational Organised Crime 245 ). It is proposed that: The HKSAR Government recognizes and defines relevant wildlife crime offences such as wildlife trafficking, as both ‘serious’ and ‘organised’ crime, and deals with it as such A mainstreaming process be instigated within the HKSAR Government (such as a task force) whereby all relevant departments work closely together in resolving problems where there clearly is overlap in resources, skills and jurisdictions Efforts are made to raise the awareness of the judiciary and prosecution teams regarding the seriousness of wildlife crime The HKSAR Government more actively participates in the global response to combatting wildlife crime A comprehensive study be undertaken to determine the need for, extent and nature of legal reform. This would include reviewing import and export mechanisms to identify and address gaps and loopholes that can facilitate trafficking and undermine enforcement, as well as reviewing the sufficiency of penalties. It would further include assessing whether existing mechanisms adopted with the intention of regulating the wildlife trade are fit for purpose 34
Page 1 and 2: WILDLIFE CRIME IS HONG KONG DOING E
Page 3 and 4: GLOSSARY AFCD AMMTC ASEAN ASEAN-WEN
Page 5 and 6: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This is exemplifi
Page 7 and 8: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY WILDLIFE CRIME IS
Page 9 and 10: WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING, GLOBAL AND OR
Page 11 and 12: 2 HONG KONG’S EMERGENCE AS A WILD
Page 13 and 14: HONG KONG’S EMERGENCE AS A WILDLI
Page 15 and 16: 3 WILDLIFE TRADE, TRAFFICKING AND R
Page 17 and 18: WILDLIFE TRADE, TRAFFICKING AND REG
Page 31 and 32: COMBATTING WILDLIFE CRIME The India
Page 33 and 34: COMBATTING WILDLIFE CRIME Hong Kong
Page 35: 5 CONCLUSION The statistics speak f
Page 39 and 40: POLICY CONSIDERATIONS AND RECOMMEND
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Page 43 and 44: APPENDICES ENDNOTES 1. Based on inf
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Page 47 and 48: 75. http://www.wwf.org.hk/en/?14100
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WILDLIFE CRIME

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