A Local conservation activist says young people can help save endangered species, such as humphead wrasse and the great white shark, by enhancing their knowledge of the issue and influencing their parents.
Clarus Chu Ping-shing, assistant conservation officer at WWF Hong Kong, is attending the 13th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites) of Wild Fauna and Flora in Bangkok.
He is accompanied by Samuel Lee Kwok-hung, programme officer at TRAFFIC East Asia - a network that monitors wildlife trade around the world.
Six endangered species related to Hong Kong - the humphead wrasse, the great white shark, yellow-crested cockatoo, Asian fresh-water turtles, desert-living cistanche and agarwood - are among 50 animals and plants that will come under the spotlight at the meeting in the Thai capital.
Mr Chu, who expects trade regulations regarding these species to be tightened, said teenagers have a role to play.
'People like to eat the humphead wrasse and shark's fin soup, or collect jaws of the great white sharks because they are expensive. It is a symbol of a luxurious lifestyle,' Mr Chu said.
'If young people knew how dangerous the situation is for these species, they could influence their parents and relatives to stop consuming them.