Suzanne Gendron, Ocean Park Conservation Foundation
The Ocean Park Conservation Foundation has been set up to educate and inspire people about the vital necessity of conservation of life in the oceans.
The Foundation combines education with hands-on conservation programs using the resources and reputation of Ocean Park , and my unique roles in both educational and conservation programs.
Our aim is to highlight the damage done to life in the oceans, mainly arising from human activity. This is manifest in the disappearance of particular species of animals such as dolphins, turtles and crabs as a result of habitat destruction and pollution.
There is particular urgency and scope for better management of fisheries here, and a recognition of the need for public education, more protected areas for marine life in the vicinity of Hong Kong and the effects of global warming such as changing storm patterns is essential.
My personal input here started when I came here to join the staff of Ocean Park in 1997. My work is ongoing through my position with this very forward looking organisation. I am very privileged to be able to advance the causes about which I feel so passionate through my responsibilities for public education and for directing our Conservation Foundation.
We have received substantial support from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Civic Exchange, World Wildlife Fund, Kadoori Farms and several universities.
Progress
Locally in Hong Kong
We have ‘down to earth’ achievements such as children talking to their parents and a decline in the use of shark fin soup at weddings. There is local recognition of our sustainable buildings practices and also of our partnering with local organisations to develop educational and conservation programs.
Nationally in China
There has been great interest from China in our work with pandas here. Ocean Park has made a substantial contribution to the rehabilitation of the panda population following the earthquake in Sechuan, as well as in our work on the rehabilitation of the environment of the Chinese sturgeon and dolphins in the waters near to Taiwan
Internationally
There is a lot of international recognition of our work in connecting people with nature in ways that promote their care of both marine and terrestrial life.
Our Conservation Foundation is represented on a variety of international committees around South East Asia, which are concerned with creating sustainable environments for marine animals such as horseshoe crabs, dolphins and turtles.
Socially there has been enhanced awareness of the value of what we are doing both in our educational, conservation and research practices.
Our organisation is assisting in introducing changes to Hong Kong ’s environmental record, in partnership with large corporations, for example we are working with the Jockey Club to develop hybrid vehicles for use on the Ocean Park site.
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