Once again, many articles in this issue of Porcupine! reflect, in one way or another, concerns over losses in biodiversity and explore solutions to the various problems. Conserving biodiversity (a piece of the planet as David so aptly puts it) in the face of mounting human pressures requires teamwork. The biologists who understand the systems need the funders and administrative support to carry out their work. We need the appropriate legal framework and enforcement capacity to implement protective action. Public support for natural resource management and conservation is essential, as are the roles of the media and NGOs in raising public awareness and understanding of the importance of, and need for, protecting biodiversity. Political support is also needed, and, sadly, it is here that there is often little joy in Hong Kong. As a major importer of an enormous range of flora and fauna, a significant proportion of them potentially (if trade is not regulated) or actually threatened, government support for local and international conservation initiatives is critically important. Yet, for several recent CITES Appendix II proposals of species for which Hong Kong is a (if not the) major importer, and about which there is clear evidence of declines due to international trade (seahorses and humphead wrasse are examples - see p. 16), there was no government support. Appendix II listings do not prevent trade but ensure that whatever trade there is comes from sustainable practices and sources. As a major beneficiary of natural resources, there is no good reason not to take some responsibility and support such initiatives. Clearly there is a weak player; the challenge is how to strengthen the team.

Yvonne Sadovy

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