Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CSSA caseload for July 2026
Analysed by case nature, both permanent disability cases and low-earnings cases registered a month-to-month decrease of 0.3 per cent to 16 148 cases and 1 250 cases respectively. Single parent cases decreased by 0.2 per cent to 17 817 cases. Unemployment cases dropped by 0.1 per cent to 15 169 cases.
Old age cases registered an increase of 0.2 per cent to 111 997 cases. Ill-health cases increased by 0.1 per cent to 28 431 cases.
Issued at HKT 17:00
NNNN
Unemployment and underemployment statistics for May – July 2026
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
According to the latest labour force statistics (i.e. provisional figures for May – July 2026) released today (August 20) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 3.7% in May – July 2026, same as that in April – June 2026. The underemployment rate increased from 1.6% in April – June 2026 to 1.7% in May – July 2026.
Comparing May – July 2026 with April – June 2026, movements in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) in different industry sectors varied. Decrease was mainly seen in the foundation and superstructure sector while increases were mainly seen in the retail sector and transportation sector. As to the underemployment rate, increase was mainly seen in the education sector.
Total employment increased by around 1 500 from 3 646 100 in April – June 2026 to 3 647 600 in May – July 2026. Over the same period, the labour force also increased by around 7 500 from 3 785 800 to 3 793 300.
The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) increased by around 6 000 from 139 700 in April – June 2026 to 145 700 in May – July 2026. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons also increased by around 3 800 from 62 400 to 66 200.
Commentary
Commenting on the latest unemployment figures, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, said, “The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stayed at 3.7% in May – July 2026, same as that in the preceding three-month period. Meanwhile, the underemployment rate edged up by 0.1 percentage point to 1.7%. Over the same period, both the labour force and total employment increased further.”
Looking ahead, Mr Sun said, “The ongoing expansion of the local economy is expected to underpin overall labour market conditions, though fresh graduates and school leavers entering the labour market may pose some pressure on the unemployment rate. The potential impacts of external headwinds on corporate hiring sentiments also continue to warrant attention.”
Further information
The unemployment and underemployment statistics were compiled from the findings of the continuous General Household Survey.
In the survey, the definitions used in measuring unemployment and underemployment follow closely those recommended by the International Labour Organization. The employed population covers all employers, self-employed persons, employees (including full-time, part-time, casual workers, etc.) and unpaid family workers. Unemployed persons by industry (or occupation) are classified according to their previous industry (or occupation).
The survey for May – July 2026 covered a sample of some 25 000 households or 65 000 persons, selected in accordance with a scientifically designed sampling scheme to represent the population of Hong Kong. Labour force statistics compiled from this sample represented the situation in the moving three-month period of May to July 2026.
Data on labour force characteristics were obtained from the survey by interviewing each member aged 15 or over in the sampled households.
Statistical tables on the latest labour force statistics can be downloaded at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/scode200.html). More detailed analysis of the labour force characteristics is given in the “Quarterly Report on General Household Survey” which is published four times a year. The latest issue of the report contains statistics for the quarter January – March 2026 while the next issue covering the quarter April – June 2026 will be available by end August 2026. Users can also browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1050001&scode=200).
For enquiries about labour force statistics, please contact the General Household Survey Section (3) of the C&SD (Tel: 2887 5508 or email: ghs@censtatd.gov.hk).
Consumer Price Indices for July 2026
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (August 20) the Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures for July 2026. According to the Composite CPI, overall consumer prices rose by 1.7% in July 2026 over the same month a year earlier, smaller than the corresponding increase (2.0%) in June 2026. The smaller increase was mainly attributable to the Government’s provision of rates concession in July 2026 as compared with July 2025 without such concession, whereas the concession was in place in June of both years. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the year-on-year rate of increase in the Composite CPI (i.e. the underlying inflation rate) in July 2026 was 1.9%, the same as that in June 2026.
On a seasonally adjusted basis, the average monthly rate of increase in the Composite CPI for the 3-month period ending July 2026 was 0.2%, and that for the 3-month period ending June 2026 was 0.1%. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the corresponding rates of increase were both 0.2%.
Analysed by sub-index, the year-on-year rates of increase in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 1.2%, 1.8% and 2.0% respectively in July 2026, as compared to 1.8%, 2.1% and 2.2% respectively in June 2026. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the year-on-year rates of increase in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 1.6%, 2.0% and 2.1% respectively in July 2026, as compared to 1.5%, 2.0% and 2.1% respectively in June 2026.
On a seasonally adjusted basis, for the 3-month period ending July 2026, the average monthly rates of change in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were all 0.2%. The corresponding rates of change for the 3-month period ending June 2026 were 0.0%, 0.1% and 0.1% respectively. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the average monthly rates of change in the seasonally adjusted CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) for the 3-month period ending July 2026 were all 0.2%, the same as those for the 3-month period ending June 2026.
Amongst the various components of the Composite CPI, year-on-year increases in prices were recorded in July 2026 for electricity, gas and water (10.8%), transport (5.0%), miscellaneous services (4.9%), miscellaneous goods (2.3%), meals out and takeaway food (0.9%), clothing and footwear (0.6%), alcoholic drinks and tobacco (0.1%), and housing (0.1%).
On the other hand, year-on-year decreases in the components of the Composite CPI were recorded in July 2026 for durable goods (-0.2%), and basic food (-0.2%).
Taking the first 7 months of 2026 together, the Composite CPI rose by 1.7% over the same period a year earlier. The respective increases in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 1.6%, 1.8% and 1.8% respectively. The corresponding increases after netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures were 1.6%, 1.4%, 1.7% and 1.8% respectively.
For the 3 months ending July 2026, the Composite CPI rose by 1.9% over the same period a year earlier, while the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) rose by 1.6%, 2.0% and 2.1% respectively. The corresponding increases after netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures were 1.9%, 1.5%, 2.0% and 2.1% respectively.
For the 12 months ending July 2026, the Composite CPI on average rose by 1.5% over the same period a year earlier. The respective increases in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were all 1.5%. The corresponding increases after netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures were 1.4%, 1.3%, 1.4% and 1.5% respectively.
Commentary
A Government spokesman said that the underlying Composite CPI rose by 1.9% in July over a year earlier, same as the preceding month. Inflation of fuel-related items stayed high, with some showing accelerated increases. Yet, overall inflation remained moderate, as price pressures on other components were generally contained.
Looking ahead, the continued feed-through of higher international oil prices to fuel-related components will pose upward pressure to consumer price inflation. While the lingering geopolitical tensions in the Middle East remain a key source of uncertainty, overall inflation should continue to stay moderate as price pressures on other fronts remain broadly in check.
Further information
The CPIs and year-on-year rates of change at section level for July 2026 are shown in Table 1. The time series on the year-on-year rates of change in the CPIs before and after netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures are shown in Table 2. For discerning the latest trend in consumer prices, it is also useful to look at the changes in the seasonally adjusted CPIs. The time series on the average monthly rates of change during the latest 3 months for the seasonally adjusted CPIs are shown in Table 3. The rates of change in the original and the seasonally adjusted Composite CPI and the underlying inflation rate are presented graphically in Chart 1.
More detailed statistics are given in the “Monthly Report on the Consumer Price Index”. Users can browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1060001&scode=270).
For enquiries about the CPIs, please contact the Consumer Price Index Section of the C&SD (Tel: 3903 7374 or email: cpi@censtatd.gov.hk).
Beware of fraudulent document purported to be issued by HKMA
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Beware of fraudulent document purported to be issued by HKMA
The HKMA wishes to clarify that the aforementioned document and investment project are fraudulent, and have no connection with the HKMA. The HKMA will not contact individual members of the public or request fund transfers regarding any personal financial matters.
The HKMA reiterates that all participating firms of the e-HKD Pilot Programme and other sandbox programmes under the HKMA will not solicit funding from the public or offer any investment products associated with these programmes.
The HKMA has reported the cases to the Hong Kong Police Force. Members of the public who have provided their personal information to the mobile application or suspect that they have become victims of fraudulent acts should contact the Police or the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.
Issued at HKT 15:30
NNNN
Hong Kong Customs detects money laundering case involving about $35 million following narcotics investigation
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (August 19) detected a suspected money laundering case involving about $35 million in crime proceeds, subsequent to a follow-up investigation of a dangerous drugs case identified in 2025. Two 33-year-old local men suspected to be connected with the case were arrested.
In August last year, Customs detected a dangerous drugs case involving about $8.3 million worth of drugs and arrested a 33-year-old local man suspected to be connected with the case. A subsequent financial investigation and fund-flow analysis revealed that there were numerous suspicious transactions amounting to a total of about $35 million in the personal bank accounts of the arrested person and another 33-year-old local man between January 2024 and August 2025. The funds were suspected to be crime proceeds.
Upon further investigation, Customs yesterday took enforcement action and arrested the two men for “dealing with property known or reasonably believed to represent proceeds of an indictable offence” (commonly known as money laundering) under the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance (OSCO).
An investigation is ongoing. The likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.
Under the OSCO, a person commits an offence if he or she deals with any property knowing or having reasonable grounds to believe that such property, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly represents any person’s proceeds of an indictable offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and imprisonment for 14 years, while the crime proceeds are also subject to confiscation.
Members of the public may report any suspected money laundering activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Inflation at 1.7% in July
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Overall consumer prices rose 1.7% in July year on year, a smaller increase than the 2% rise recorded in June, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.
Netting out the effects of the Government’s one-off relief measures, the underlying inflation rate was 1.9% in July, unchanged from the previous month.
Compared to July 2025, price increases were recorded across several categories, including electricity, gas and water; transport; miscellaneous services; miscellaneous goods; meals out and takeaway food; clothing and footwear; alcoholic drinks and tobacco; and housing.
Meanwhile, year-on-year decreases were recorded for durable goods and basic food.
The Government noted that while inflation for fuel-related items stayed high with some showing accelerated increases, overall inflation remained moderate as price pressures on other components were generally contained.
Looking ahead, the continued feed-through of higher international oil prices to fuel-related components will exert upward pressure on consumer price inflation. While ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East remain a key source of uncertainty, overall inflation should stay moderate as price pressures on other fronts remain broadly in check.
AI systems to boost smart mobility
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Transport Department announced today a series of artificial intelligence (AI) projects to streamline licensing services, cut renewal processing times to a single day, and implement adaptive traffic signals across roughly 50 junctions to enhance smart mobility.
The department is preparing for the launch of the Easy Licence Application Approval project by the end of this year. Using advanced large language model technology, this system will automatically recognise, cross-check and verify application documents for online vehicle licence renewals.
The initiative aims to push the proportion of automatic approvals past 90% and markedly reduce processing times from up to 10 working days to one.
The application approval project will also cover two cross-boundary driving schemes – Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles and Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles. The department targets boosting the ratio of cross-boundary driving permit applications automatically approved by AI to over 50%, shortening manual processing times by about 20%.
For counter services, the department deployed an AI-enabled anti-bot solution and dynamic identification technology in late June for the online appointment booking system for direct issue of the Hong Kong Full Driving Licence.
By identifying and blocking automated bot scripts and mitigating non-human operations, the technology ensures fair and orderly access. As a result, the maximum waiting time for applicants successfully entering the booking system dropped significantly from up to two hours to within 45 minutes.
To promote smart mobility, the department is implementing the Real-time Adaptive Traffic Signal System (RTATSS) at about 50 suitable independent signalised junctions across the city in phases.
A pilot Smart Traffic Signals project will roll out in the first quarter of 2027 at the junction of Gloucester Road and Great George Street in Causeway Bay. RTATSS sensors will detect real-time vehicular and pedestrian traffic flows, computing signal timings through AI to dynamically allocate more green time for pedestrians and reduce maximum pedestrian waiting time by 15 to 20 seconds.
Furthermore, the department is studying the establishment of an AI-powered Traffic Management Platform to identify traffic bottlenecks. This platform will help formulate contingency plans to rapidly respond to special traffic conditions, minimising delays during major events, adverse weather or unexpected incidents.
Toy Inspection Mobilization: Safeguarding Children’s Safety
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
To ensure that toys are safe to purchase and use, the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) and the Taiwan Intellectual Property Office (TIPO) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs jointly held a press conference on August 12. The BSMI explained toy inspection requirements and the relevant management system, while the TIPO outlined regulations concerning trademarks and copyright.
The BSMI explained that, under the national standards, a toy is defined as any product designed, manufactured, sold, displayed, or labeled for play by children under 14 years of age. At present, 31 categories of toys are subject to mandatory inspection. Before importation or release from the factory, such products must comply with inspection requirements and bear the Commodity Inspection Mark before they may be placed on the domestic market. Major inspection items include chemical properties, such as phthalate plasticizers and heavy metals; mechanical and physical characteristics, such as small parts and sharp edges; electrical properties, such as short-circuit protection and insulation; biological properties, such as aerobic plate count; and warnings as well as labeling. These requirements are intended to ensure toy safety and reduce risks to children during use.
The BSMI emphasized that it conducts annual market surveillance and sample-purchase testing on products in circulation, with particular attention to newly emerging and popular toys. Products found to have bypassed required inspection procedures are subject to fines of NT$200,000 to NT$2 million. Where the total value of the noncompliant products is less than NT$100,000, a fine of NT$10,000 to NT$100,000 may be imposed, together with an order to recall and rectify the products within a specified period. Failure to complete the recall and corrective action by the deadline may result in an additional fine of NT$100,000 to NT$1 million.
The BSMI noted that information on defective toys announced overseas, including notices from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the EU Safety Gate, is published on the BSMI’s Product Safety Information website. The BSMI also notifies the Ministry of Health and Welfare to alert the public and relevant childcare institutions to stop using such products immediately. Domestic e-commerce platforms are also requested to remove such products as a precautionary measure, helping prevent unsafe toys from circulating and jointly strengthening the safety net for children.
The BSMI further stated that, as toy products continue to diversify and new products are constantly introduced, a wide range of usage risks may arise. It will continue to monitor developments in international standards, assess the characteristics and potential hazards of emerging products, and review inspection requirements on a rolling basis to further strengthen children’s safety.
With respect to intellectual property protection, the TIPO reminded the public that toys or their packaging bearing unauthorized artistic designs constitute pirated goods under the Copyright Act, and the importation or sale of such goods may infringe copyright. Likewise, the use of the same or a similar registered trademark on goods without the consent of the trademark owner may constitute trademark infringement. Furthermore, the quality of such pirated toys is highly questionable. Members of the public who discover suspected infringing goods may submit relevant evidence and report the matter to the Intellectual Property Rights Investigation Corps of the Criminal Investigation Bureau, National Police Agency, Ministry of the Interior; local police authorities or police stations; or by calling the 110 emergency hotline.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs urges all sectors to support genuinely licensed toys and jointly protect intellectual property rights. When purchasing toys, consumers should select products that bear the Commodity Inspection Mark, have complete Chinese-language labeling, and are suitable for the child’s age. Before use, consumers should carefully read the Chinese labeling and warnings. Children should not be allowed to bite or chew toys to avoid ingesting harmful substances, and attention should be paid to potential hazards involving small parts, magnets, batteries, cords, sharp edges, and sharp points. After use, children should be reminded to wash their hands, and the toy should be checked for integrity. If any damage, loose parts, or other abnormal condition is found, use should be discontinued immediately. In addition, toy safety awareness videos and a handbook on common toy hazards have been prepared and published on the BSMI website for public reference.
Related Information
1. Product Safety Information: https://safety.bsmi.gov.tw
2. Video Section (animated safety videos on Buckyballs, slime, expanding toys, etc.):
https://www.bsmi.gov.tw/wSite/lp?ctNode=9349&CtUnit=3677&BaseDSD=7&mp=1
3. Handbook on Common Toy Hazards
https://www.bsmi.gov.tw/wSite/public/Data/f1737018164988.pdf
Contact Person (Toy Inspection): Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection, MOEA – Deputy Division Director Cheng
Tel.(O):+886-2343-1700 ext. 1211
Contact Person (Intellectual Property Rights): Taiwan Intellectual Property Office, MOEA – Division Director Hung
Tel.(O):+886-2376-7135
La 11e conférence des îles du Pacifique sur la conservation de la Nature et les aires protégées se tiendra à Nouméa du 7 au 11 septembre
Source: Gouvernement de la Nouvelle-Caledonie
Aux côtés des représentants du Congrès, du Sénat coutumier, du Conseil économique, social et environnemental (CESE) et de la province des Îles, Johanito Wamytan, membre du gouvernement chargé des sujets en lien avec l’océan, le climat et le parc naturel de la mer de Corail, a annoncé ce jeudi 20 août, la tenue de la 11e conférence des îles du Pacifique sur la conservation de la Nature et les aires protégées. Cette rencontre dédiée aux enjeux liés à la protection de la biodiversité dans un contexte de changement climatique se tiendra au centre culturel Tjibaou du 7 au 11 septembre 2026.
Organisée conjointement par le Programme régional océanien de l’environnement (PROE), la Table ronde du Pacifique (Pacific Islands Round Table – PIRT) et la Nouvelle-Calédonie, la rencontre réunira près de 400 représentants issus d’une vingtaine de pays et territoires du Pacifique, ainsi que des organisations régionales, des acteurs de la société civile et des partenaires publics et privés du développement.
Pour le membre du gouvernement, « recevoir une conférence régionale qui aura une portée internationale représente un enjeu majeur. La déclaration qui sera établie à Nouméa constituera une référence. Mais c’est aussi l’opportunité d’accueillir des experts, des peuples autochtones et des représentants des États et territoires insulaires de la zone Pacifique pour trouver les moyens d’agir pour demain ».
La Conférence Nature : un pilier de la gouvernance environnementale régionale
La Conférence Nature, qui se déroule tous les cinq ans depuis 1975, s’est imposée comme le principal espace de convergence sur les questions environnementales entre les gouvernements, les organisations régionales, les ONG, les organisations communautaires et les partenaires de développement du Pacifique.
L’objectif principal de cette rencontre est de définir un cadre régional stratégique « par le Pacifique et pour le Pacifique » qui garantisse la cohérence entre les stratégies nationales et les engagements internationaux, assurant ainsi que les politiques de conservation se traduisent par des résultats durables et perceptibles pour les populations locales.
Chaque Conférence approuve un nouveau cadre régional pour la conservation de la nature et les aires protégées, ainsi qu’un rapport actualisé sur l’état de l’environnement et de la conservation.
Amplifier les efforts des pays et territoires océaniens en faveur de la biodiversité
L’organisation de la 11e Conférence nature a été menée de manière inclusive permettant à l’ensemble des institutions calédoniennes, notamment le Congrès, le Sénat coutumier, les provinces, le CESE, les associations de maires, mais également l’État, de contribuer au bon déroulé de l’événement, aux contenus qui seront débattus tout comme à l’organisation de side-events locaux proposée sur l’ensemble du territoire.
La 11e Conférence Nature se veut un levier structurant d’action régionale destiné à proposer des solutions concrètes en faveur de la biodiversité et à favoriser la coopération entre les pays et territoires du Pacifique.
Ce grand rendez-vous vise à produire des effets durables, concrets et perceptibles pour les populations bénéficiaires en renforçant les coopérations économiques, sociales, culturelles et environnementales entre les territoires et États insulaires du Pacifique. Elle a plus précisément pour objectif de renforcer la résilience climatique, la sécurité alimentaire, la protection des ressources naturelles, le développement d’économies durables et bleues, ainsi que la cohésion sociale et régionale.
« Plusieurs territoires subissent déjà les effets du changement climatique, a rappelé Johanito Wamytan, et cette rencontre régionale constitue l’opportunité de partager les savoirs et les connaissances des peuples du Pacifique ».
Cette 11e édition ne se limitera pas à un espace d’échange, mais produira des livrables structurants pour la région, à savoir :
- l’élaboration du nouveau Cadre régional (2026-2030) ;
- le diagnostic scientifique : un nouveau rapport sur l’état de la conservation en Océanie sera publié en 2026, accompagné d’un document de réponse régionale pour guider les interventions sur le terrain ;
- le suivi des engagements mondiaux : la Conférence permettra de dresser un bilan rigoureux des avancées liées à la Convention sur la Diversité Biologique (CDB), notamment sur les programmes de travail relatifs aux aires protégées et aux protocoles de Nagoya et de Carthagène ;
- la réalisation de visite de terrain en lien avec la province sud et la province nord constituera l’occasion d’illustrer l’action concrète des collectivités et des populations pour répondre aux enjeux de conservation.
Une conférence régionale à la portée internationale
La Conférence Nature constitue un outil opérationnel de mise en œuvre des grandes stratégies régionales, notamment la Stratégie 2050 pour le continent bleu du Pacifique du Forum des Îles du Pacifique (FIP) et le Plan stratégique 2022–2031 de la Communauté du Pacifique (CPS).
Outre sa dimension régionale, elle permet également de renforcer la visibilité des priorités du Pacifique sur la scène internationale, notamment en amont des grandes échéances multilatérales de 2026. Elle sera un moyen pour les États et territoires participants de porter des messages communs et des engagements concrets en matière de biodiversité, de résilience climatique et de développement durable.
Cette conférence vise à « définir avec l’ensemble des pays et territoires du Pacifique, une position commune s’agissant des enjeux de la conservation de la nature afin de porter cette voix sur le plan international, notamment lors des prochaines grandes conférences », a expliqué le membre du gouvernement.
Elle tirera, par exemple, profit des engagements de la Conférence des Nations Unies sur l’Océan (UNOC3 – Nice, juin 2025) pour renforcer ses composantes marines. En retour, les conclusions de la Conférence Nature du Pacifique constitueront la position commune de la région lors des grandes échéances prévues fin 2026, notamment la COP17 de la CDB (qui se tiendra à Erevan en Arménie du 19 au 30 octobre 2026) et la COP31 sur le Climat, organisée par la Turquie du 9 au 20 novembre 2026, en partenariat avec l’Australie et les îles du Pacifique.
Impliquer la jeunesse du Pacifique
Une attention particulière est portée lors de cette 11e Conférence, à la jeunesse du Pacifique, considérée non seulement comme bénéficiaire, mais comme actrice à part entière de la coopération régionale.
« C’est important que les jeunes soient représentés pour donner leur avis et défendre leur point de vue Ce sont eux qui auront la charge de gérer les effets de ce changement climatique et qui subiront les conséquences que nous prenons aujourd’hui », a déclaré le membre du gouvernement.
La Conférence prévoit une implication active des jeunes dans la co-construction du programme, l’animation des sessions et le suivi post-conférence, en lien étroit avec les réseaux régionaux existants, notamment la section Pacifique du Global Youth Biodiversity Network, un réseau international réunissant des jeunes du monde entier autour d’une cause commune : prévenir la perte de biodiversité.
Elle vise à construire une réponse régionale concertée aux crises qui affectent la biodiversité et les aires protégées, en intégrant les enjeux liés au changement climatique, à l’implication de la jeunesse et à la durabilité des moyens de subsistance dans le Pacifique.
Les engagements de la 10e Conférence nature
En 2020, la 10e édition avait déjà eu lieu à Nouméa. Elle s’était tenue en visio-conférence en raison de la crise Covid. Elle avait abouti à :
- la Déclaration de Vemööre :
Articulée autour de trois principaux piliers – notre océan, nos îles, notre lien à la nature – cette déclaration historique affirmait « l’urgence de la crise mondiale de la biodiversité ». Elle énonçait 21 pistes d’action destinées à mobiliser l’ensemble des pays et territoires de la région pour la préservation de la biodiversité en Océanie.
- le Cadre régional 2021-2025 pour la conservation de la nature et les aires protégées :
Principal document de stratégie régionale, ce guide qui repose sur huit principes, présente les priorités régionales sous la forme de six objectifs déclinés en pistes d’action. Il réaffirme notamment le lien entre les océans et le climat, ainsi que la nécessité de mieux prendre en compte et de s’appuyer sur les solutions portées par la nature elle-même pour sa conservation.
- des engagements propres à la Nouvelle-Calédonie :
À l’issue de la 10e Conférence Nature, la Nouvelle-Calédonie s’était engagée à renforcer la sécurité des services écosystémiques en préservant la ressource en eau et la biodiversité.
Huanggang Port drills quick response
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is conducting a series of inter-departmental emergency drills at the Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area, including mock scenarios of a traffic accident, power outage, lift failure and electrical short circuit, to test departmental emergency response ahead of the port’s opening.
One of the drills simulated a traffic accident involving three private cars at the public transport interchange inside the Hong Kong Port Area. The scenario involved multiple injuries, prompting emergency crews to rush to the scene.
Firefighters first ensured that the area was secure and that no one was trapped before assessing the casualties and then standing by with a charged hose line as a precaution.
Ambulance personnel then provided further medical treatment before taking the injured to hospital. Meanwhile, police officers investigated the cause of the simulated crash and conducted a breath test on a driver.
The Fire Services Department also staged a rescue operation inside the port building, where four travellers were simulated as trapped in a lift, complaining of dizziness and discomfort.
Firefighters safely opened the lift doors using a manual key after confirming that the power supply was switched off.
After initial checks, two of the rescued travellers were sent to hospital for further treatment.
Another drill simulated an electrical appliance short circuit in a building rest area, forcing a large number of travellers to evacuate.
Emergency teams directed travellers out of the building, while arriving firefighters deployed a hose line to prevent potential flare-ups. One traveller felt unwell and was taken to hospital.
In a separate development, the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department, together with other government departments, staged emergency scenarios including a simulated power failure, a breakdown of the air-conditioning system and a sudden escalator failure.
Under the department’s supervision, technical staff carried out emergency repairs to ensure a swift resumption of services.
After the establishment of the Hong Kong Port Area, the Hong Kong SAR Government continues to conduct drills and exercises of varying scales to ensure relevant departments and units familiarise themselves with handling different emergency situations.