On Shangri-La's "sustainable seafood policy" and the banning of the use and sale of shark fin products

Yesterday we received news that Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts will "[discontinue]... the use of shark fin products in 72 hotels and resorts." Please allow me to quote from its press release, below:

"Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts today announced its ‘Sustainable Seafood Policy’ including the commitment to cease serving shark fin in all of its operated restaurants as well as accepting new orders for shark fin products in banqueting with immediate effect. Future banquet bookings made prior to this date will be honoured as per the signed contractual agreement. At the same time, Shangri-La announced that it will phase out Bluefin tuna and Chilean sea bass in all its operated restaurants within the year. In December 2010 the company initiated the process with the removal of shark fin products from its restaurant menus. The new policy is a continuation of Shangri-La’s journey towards environmental support."

We laud this initiative because it sends a strong statement for sustainable business practices and for responsible fishing throughout the world. The private sector has the power to influence consumer behavior, and if they lead the way for more ethical and sustainable actions such as this, then consumers will be educated and, we hope, will eventually stop patronizing products that can endanger the environment.

We need to remember that when we endanger the environment, we are also endangering our very source of food and the source of livelihood for up to sixty percent of our countrymen. We cannot keep pillaging the Earth until there's nothing left for our children and for future generations.

We hope that other establishments would adopt similar “sustainable seafood policies.” In fact, let us not just limit it to seafood. We urge other hotel and restaurant owners, and all involved sectors in the private sector, to start adopting sustainable practices not only for seafood but also for vegetables, livestock, and other agricultural products. It will be good for the environment but also good for business, as more and more consumers are now becoming aware of the need to take care of the environment while taking care of business and ensuring profitability.