As early as 1980 the Conservancy Association has been a champion of a government conservation policy. In line with the World Conservation Strategy then promulgated by the World Conservation Union (IUCN), the Association published our own Conservation Strategy in 1981. We pointed out some twenty years ago that "the absence of conservation at the policy making level is the most important obstacle to conservation,," and advocated anticipatory environmental policies, a cross-sectoral conservation policy and a broader system of national accounting, so as to integrate conservation with development. These principles are as valid now as they were then.

The Conservancy Association considers that natural and cultural heritage is an invaluable public asset that belongs to society and posterity. It is part of the "social capital" of Hong Kong. Management of this asset in a sustainable manner will not only enhance our quality of life, but also contribute substantially to Hong Kong's competitiveness.