Global Conservation Leaders

The Pink Dolphin Fund hosted a landmark event at Dorsett Kai Tak titled “The Voice of the Pink Dolphin: A Conversation on Survival.” The immersive evening served as a powerful call to action for the protection of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis), an iconic species that has inhabited Hong Kong’s waters since the 17th century but now faces existential threats.

As a living barometer of marine health, the Chinese White Dolphin (or Pink Dolphin) is currently struggling against unprecedented coastal development, rising noise pollution, and the escalating impacts of climate change. The event emphasised that these sentient beings are sending a distress signal regarding the state of our shared global ecosystem.

The Pink Dolphin Fund, established by the Chiu family, was founded to raise public awareness regarding the sharp decline of the Pink Dolphin population and to protect the species through dedicated advocacy, education, and regional cooperation. Building on the family’s long-standing commitment to environmental preservation, the Fund focuses on the establishment of unified marine sanctuaries across the Pearl River Delta and the Greater Bay Area, ensuring these natural symbols of resilience are safeguarded for future generations.

During the evening, three prestigious awards were announced, recognising excellence in storytelling, policy leadership, and ecosystem restoration. The honourees represent a diverse cross-section of media, academia, and international institutions dedicated to the protection of our oceans.

Ocean Wave Maker Award: CCTV & Guangdong TV
The Ocean Wave Maker Award was presented to co-produced by CCTV, Guangdong Radio and Television, and Zhuhai Media Group for their impactful documentary work on the Chinese White Dolphin. This category focuses on Documentary, Film, and Journalism, with winners selected based on exceptional storytelling and a demonstrated ability to create a measurable public impact.

Ocean Policy Leader Award: Dr Lindsay Porter OBE
The Ocean Policy Leader Award was bestowed upon Dr Lindsay Porter OBE for her career-long dedication to formal and informal research. This award recognises individuals who succeed in inspiring action and driving behavioural change among policymakers and management authorities to ensure the survival of marine species. 

Ocean Impact Award: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
The Ocean Impact Award was granted to the IUCN, a consultative body to the United Nations. The award highlights the organisation’s primary focus on habitat protection and ecosystems. The IUCN was selected for its tangible success in rebuilding threatened species populations and its significant contributions to restoring vital marine habitats globally.

The Fund highlighted the alarming decline in juvenile dolphin sightings in the Pearl River Delta, specifically around Lantau Island and the Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Parks. The event aimed to reframe the dolphin not just as a marine species, but as a vital part of Hong Kong’s cultural heritage and a symbol of resilience, passion, and harmony.

The Pink Dolphin Fund reiterated its mission to promote concrete actions to safeguard marine habitats. The core message of the event was clear: saving the dolphins is synonymous with ensuring clean water and a healthy environment, which are the fundamental building blocks of global peace.

“Protecting pink dolphins is an ecological urgency, but it is also a reflection of the future we choose to build—a chapter of hope and global unity.” stated Margaret Chiu, founder of Pink Dolphin Fund. 

The award event culminated in a message of unity, asserting that the health of the marine ecosystem is the foundation for human prosperity. By protecting the Pearl River Delta’s “Pinkie”, the Fund aims to build a future that bridges innovation with compassion, ensuring this icon of the Pacific Rim continues to thrive for another thousand years.  

For more information, please visit: www.pinkdolphinfund.org