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Call for more action on conservation

Many people in Hong Kong think wildlife conservation is important, but the majority have not done anything about it, a survey has revealed.

The survey, commissioned by the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation Hong Kong, was aimed at getting a better understanding of how the public feels about environmental protection.

Conducted by the University of Hong Kong's Public Opinion Programme, the study interviewed more than 500 Hongkongers.

Sixty-six per cent of the respondents believe that wildlife conservation is crucial.

But more than 50 per cent said they knew little about the topic, while 78 per cent had never made a donation to a wildlife conservation organisation or participated in a conservation activity over the past year.

Nearly 70 per cent of interviewees thought that 'domestic waste recycling' and 'better use of paper' are part of wildlife conservation programmes.

According to the survey results, more education on wildlife conservation is needed, the foundation said.

'Conservation is easier said than done,' said Judy Chen, chairperson of the foundation.

'It requires a long-term effort in education and scientific studies.

'We have planned various wildlife conservation activities this year. Kicking off the programme is

the 12th annual Conservation Day on January 13.'

The foundation, a charitable organisation established by Ocean Park, supports scientific research and education in Asia, with an emphasis on

coastal and marine conservation, and protection of giant panda habitats in China.

'We depend on Conservation Day as a major source of funding,' said foundation director, Suzanne Gendron. Last year, HK$1.5 million was raised on Conservation Day. This year, the foundation hopes to raise HK$2.5 million, which will support half of this year's conservation projects.

You are invited to visit Ocean Park on Saturday wearing a green T-shirt to show your support for wildlife conservation. For details or to make a donation, call the foundation's development officer at 2873 8690.

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