Hubert Cheung

Assistant Professor @ Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

Human dimensions of conservation

Human and natural systems are inseparable. I conduct interdisciplinary research to inform policy and practice, with the aim of improving biodiversity outcomes.

Featured Publications

Reforms to strengthen CITES

Tensions within CITES are rising over the elephant ivory and rhino horn trade, where polarization has pushed ten African countries to threaten an outright withdrawal from CITES. Critical lessons from Japan’s IWC withdrawal in 2019 can shape reforms to strengthen CITES.

https://doi.org/10.1111/conl.13099

Policy diffusion in conservation

Geopolitics impact conservation decisions. In a global environment where tensions are rising, can we channel the US–China rivalry to improve biodiversity outcomes? Policy diffusion theory gives us insights into interdependency of policy decisions.

https://doi.org/10.1111/conl.13026

China’s political will

Political will is a critical determinant of the success or failure of environmental policies and interventions. We explore the core interests of the Chinese leadership to uncover opportunities to leverage Beijing's political will for sustainability gains.

https://doi.org/10.1002/pan3.10425

Featured presentation

Pluralism and inclusion for effective conservation

Consideration for both biological and human factors is the best way to set conservation measures up for success. Pluralism and inclusion can help ensure that policies and interventions are culturally appropriate and socially compatible. Building an understanding of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) will enable conservationists to develop more effective and lasting solutions for species threatened by medicinal use.