What Hong Kong can learn from the Yangtze’s conservation success

A recent study in the journal *Science* reported that a five-year fishing ban on the Yangtze River has successfully halted decades of biodiversity decline. The ban has led to a surge in fish biomass and a rebound in the critically endangered finless porpoise population, demonstrating that sustained, collective action can revive an ecosystem. This success offers an inspiring and urgent lesson for Hong Kong, which is facing environmental challenges. For instance, last October, over 4,000 visitors visited Sharp Island, damaging coastal organisms and coral beds, and starting illegal fires. Despite being part of Hong Kong's Unesco Global Geopark, Sharp Island lacks statutory marine park protection, leaving it vulnerable. Greenpeace raised concerns, and authorities responded after the damage occurred.