National Geographic - USA (2021-11)

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Faced with such grave chal-
lenges, Cybulski and Shea
insist that swift action is needed
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understand what we have,” says
Cybulski. “Because once you
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protect it.”

Shea echoes this, adding that,
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each person can begin to see
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rebuild that sense of connection
between our oceans and our
culture, history, and identity. As

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and everyone has a role to play.
We need to put effort every day
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to the top of our agendas.”

Shining the spotlight on
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National Geographic Creative
Works, is a series of articles
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incredible diversity found in Hong
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the factors that threaten this
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can do to preserve it for future
generations.

if the territory is to stand a chance
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Hong Kong waters are the near
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the endangered Hong Kong grou-
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the critically endangered Chinese
bahaba (giant yellow croaker).


The city also lags far behind
international standards in the
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with only 5% of Hong Kong wa-
ters designated, or planned to be
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Hong Kong waters. WWF Hong
Kong has pinpointed seven pri-
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Tolo Channel and Harbour, and
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and ignore the value, the wonder
and the urgency for its conserva-
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soon collapse before our eyes,”
says Shea.


Driving Change Through Awareness


Hong Kong waters
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bers have been in
decline in recent
decades due to
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habitat destruction.

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Free download pdf