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Conservation

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Conservation
Articles and features on conservation, including environment, habitat loss, farming, pollution, green living, sustainability and how to follow an eco-friendly lifestyle.
Andrew Sweetman is seen in an undated image working with one of the new landers in Oban, Scotland. Photo: Scottish Association for Marine Science of AFP
Science

Scientists plan deep-sea expedition to probe ‘dark oxygen’

The existence of a previously unknown source of oxygen would call into question long-held assumptions about the origins of life on Earth.

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Diplomacy

China bids to host High Seas Treaty secretariat, even as US exits UN bodies

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Hong Kong environmental issues

Editorial | Study shows Hong Kong must do better to end illegal shark fin trade

Diplomacy

Opinion | High Seas Treaty will both boost China’s power and hold it accountable

Beijing realises that maritime leadership will be measured not just by fleets and bases but also by who protects the planet’s last great commons.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
Animal welfare in Hong Kong

Animal welfare groups slam Hong Kong pet shop for offering cat rental service

Pet shop gave clients the chance to rent a cat for a week for HK$800 with a refundable deposit of HK$6,500 before buying.

Hong Kong environmental issues

Editorial | Hong Kong’s biodiversity strategy must be clear and comprehensive

The discovery of new species should prompt more concrete commitments and proactive policy coordination to conserve the city’s flora and fauna.

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Animal welfare in Hong Kong

Hong Kong group saves 351 animals in 6 months as trapping, smuggling cases surge

Paws Guardian Rescue Shelter reports that animal cruelty cases are ‘alarmingly common’ as it calls for stronger action to be taken.

Animal rescuers warn that illegal trapping and pet smuggling are becoming alarmingly common in Hong Kong, with an average of two animals saved daily. Photo: Edmond So
Hong Kong environmental issues

6.5% of shark fins sold in Hong Kong are protected, higher than reported: study

Study by US, local institutions also reveals volume of critically endangered whitetip shark fins sold in city is 70 times higher than reported.

Hong Kong environmental issues

Groups welcome updated Hong Kong biodiversity plan but call for more details

Government unveils Hong Kong Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, which sets out strategies for the next 10 years.

France

France pushes back plastic cup ban amid industry pressure, green backlash

France delays its single-use plastic cup ban to 2030, sparking criticism from environmental groups who cite industry lobbying and slow progress.

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A woman holding plastic cup of iced coffee with milk. Photo: Shutterstock
Thailand

Thailand rediscovers ‘extinct’ flat-headed cat after three decades

Elusive feline spotted with cub, offering hope for endangered species’ survival.

A picture taken with a camera trap shows a recently rediscovered flat-headed cat in southern Thailand. Photo: Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation/AFP
Asean

Southeast Asian floods set to threaten more wildlife due to climate change

Environmental crimes and poor oversight are also worsening the risks faced by animals and trees.

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Indonesia

Indonesian elephants tasked to help in flood recovery spur conservation debate

The four elephants deployed to lift debris in Aceh last week after flooding were also involved in the 2004 post-tsunami recovery efforts.

Indonesia

Don’t build on ‘active zones’, experts warn Indonesia as Sumatra recovery begins

Jakarta has pledged US$3.6 billion and a special agency to help restore homes and public facilities destroyed in last month’s cyclone.

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A fallen tree spray painted with “Help” lies among debris in Aceh Tamiang, northern Sumatra, on Tuesday in the aftermath of last month’s flash floods. Photo: AFP
Indonesia

Indonesia to revoke 22 forestry permits after fatal floods

Environmentalists and experts have highlighted the role forest loss played in deadly flash flooding and landslides.

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Boats used to ferry passengers across a river are seen near a collapsed bridge in Indonesia’s Aceh province in the aftermath of deadly flash floods this month. Photo: AFP
Indonesia

Meet ‘Rio’, the first giant panda cub born in Indonesia

The newborn is stable and showing healthy early signs such as strong vocalisation, effective nursing and steady weight gain.

Animals

Florida kicks off first black bear hunt in a decade, despite outcry

The rifles and crossbows are out, after a limited 172 permits drew over 160,000 applications.

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Indonesia

Oxford slammed for not naming Indonesian researchers in rare flower find

After an uproar over the perceived snub, the university named the Indonesian researchers involved in Rafflesia’s rediscovery on social media.

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A close-up of the rare Rafflesia flower rediscovered in West Sumatra last month by Indonesian flower hunter Septian Andriki, a team led by researcher Joko Witono, Oxford scientist Chris Thorogood and local guide Iswandi. Photo: X/Chris Thorogood
Indonesia

Indonesia’s cyclone tragedy exposes lethal cost of forest destruction

Green groups say plantations and mines have degraded Sumatra’s land, amplifying a disaster that killed more than 700 and displaced thousands.

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Jobs

Letters | To prevent an AI job apocalypse, take a leaf from immigration policy

Readers discuss managing AI like foreign hires, rewilding open spaces in Hong Kong, and economic rebalancing.

Asia travel

Meet the quokka, the ‘world’s happiest animal’. Just don’t touch them, please

Famed for their perpetual smiles, quokkas are found on Australia’s Rottnest Island. But if you’re going there for a selfie, follow the rules.

A quokka smiles for the camera on Rottnest Island off Australia’s west coast. Learn more about the island’s cutest residents and how to be a responsible tourist. Photo: Carola Frentzen/dpa
Hong Kong environmental issues

Bull shark found stranded in Hong Kong mudflats returned to sea by residents

Despite being caught in Pak Nai fishing nets, scientist says presence of juvenile shark suggests city’s ‘abused’ marine ecosystem is recovering.

The one-metre-long juvenile bull shark found stranded on the mud flats of Pak Nei, Hong Kong. Photo: Swire Institute of Marine Science
Climate change

Opinion | China’s quiet climate leadership offers hope for Global South and world

The Global North is failing to deliver on its climate pledges while Beijing patiently lays the groundwork for a greener future.

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India

Ambani zoo, India cleared of probe curbing endangered animal imports

Vantara, a 3,500-acre zoo in Gujarat run by the Ambani family, faced allegations of improper imports of some endangered animals.

Climate change

Language Matters | Why language loss in indigenous communities hurts biodiversity conservation

Ecosystem loss and language erosion often occur in tandem. Thankfully, Cop30 marked an unprecedented effort to elevate indigenous voices.

Activists take part in a climate protest during the Cop30 UN climate summit in Belem, Brazil, on November 15 2025. Photo: AP
Climate change

Can Brazil’s Cop30 spark a climate breakthrough in the Amazon?

Brazil accelerates talks, urging nations to finalise climate plans, aid distribution, and transparency by Friday.

A sign for the Cop30 UN climate summit sits outside of the press centre in Belem, Brazil. Photo: AP
Hong Kong tourism

Hikers hit Hong Kong’s ‘Mount Eason’ for Sunset Peak silver grass, album art

Hikers mostly avoid runners taking part in a high-profile international trail race on Lantau Island.

Africa

Wildly different: Botswana and Namibia offer contrasting safari experiences

andBeyond resorts in the Namib Desert and the Okavango Delta – favoured by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle – bring different perspectives.

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