Hong Kong-mainland China scientific exchanges, research in limbo as pandemic travel restrictions drag on
- Four universities confirm that dozens of scientists have been affected by pandemic disruptions
- For younger scientists, it’s a missed opportunity to connect, collaborate with mainland peers
Scientists from Hong Kong’s Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden hoped they were on the brink of saving the nation’s last group of seven river terns spotted in 2019, but now they are unsure of the birds’ fate.
Their work tracking and attempting to save a dozen other rare animals such as gibbons, gaur and mouse deer in remote areas including Xishuangbanna and the Gaoligong Mountains in Yunnan also had to stop.
“It is like watching a baby grow. I saw some species taking their first steps towards recovery, but suddenly, I no longer can do that,” said Bosco Chan Pui-lok, head of the Kadoorie Conservation China department.
Strict travel restrictions since the pandemic have put a damper on scientific research and academic exchanges between Hong Kong and mainland China.
