Worldwide Coalition of Conservation Groups Hail The Leadership of Cathay Pacific Airways - 5 Sep 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2012-09-05

WORLDWIDE COALITION OF CONSERVATION GROUPS HAIL THE LEADERSHIP OF CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS

HONG KONG — Nearly 50 marine and shark conservation groups have united to applaud Cathay Pacific’s decision to ban the transportation of shark and shark-related products on all its flights. The groups now call upon all other airlines to step forward and follow Cathay Pacific’s leadership in helping preserve oceanic health.

“Cathay Pacific Cargo is one of the world’s largest cargo airlines,” said Alex Hofford, Director of MyOcean Ltd and co-author of ‘Man & Shark’, a campaign to educate Hong Kong and Asia’s populations about the severe damage created by the shark fin trade. “It is very heartening for everyone in the conservation community – and the greater population at large – that Hong Kong’s flagship carrier is so committed to sustainability. This recent step to preserve some of the world’s most endangered species makes [all the conservation groups] very proud of this forward thinking corporate citizen.”

On 4 September, Cathay Pacific stated that:

Today (4 September) the airline has taken the decision to stop shipments of unsustainably sourced sharks and shark-related products. This means that, effective immediately, CX will not enter into any new contracts in this regard, unless it can be demonstrated that such products are derived from sustainable sources and can be independently verified through initiatives such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).

The airline has decided to do this on the basis that there is very compelling scientific evidence to support that this is the right thing to do, given CX’s strong commitment to sustainability.

“This is a milestone in our efforts to end the trade of products like shark fin in Hong Kong,” said Ran Elfassy, Director of Shark Rescue, a Hong Kong-born marine conservation campaign. “The city is the leading trade hub for these endangered animal products, and airlines are significant players in the supply chain. When a leading airline makes the right decision to end the transport of shark fins into Hong Kong, this is significant. Cathay Pacific certainly needs to be applauded, supported and followed by the public and all other airlines.”

“Cathay Pacific show that it is possible to be a commercially viable, competitive airline whilst also staying true to its CSR commitments” adds Bertha Lo, Program Director for HK Shark Foundation, a HK based shark conservation charity. “It also demonstrates the power of global co-ordination between marine conservation groups working on this important issues.”

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