Every Bit Matters
Every Bit Matters
Yuen Long and Nam Sang Wai were originally a vast native mangrove swamp. Since the early 20th century, ongoing agricultural development of brackish paddy fields and gei-wei (shrimp) and fish ponds has led to the loss of most of the mangroves, resulting in largely artificial wetlands. During the last several decades, much of these manmade wetlands have also been lost to illegal dumping. This intrusion has greatly damaged the ecology at the Inner Deep Bay wetlands.
To properly conserve the ecologically important wetland at Lut Chau under the Ramsar Convention* and to enhance the ecology of neighbouring Nam Sang Wai, a conservation management plan has been conceived based on extensive ecological surveys and planning. This conservation management plan, when implemented, ensures that the net wetland area is maintained at 139.5 hectares and includes substantial upgrading of ecological functions throughout. A Wetland Enhancement Area with managed walkways will also be established at Nam Sang Wai for conservation, recreation and education purposes, so that people of Hong Kong can still enjoy enhanced experiences with Mother Nature.
Following the direction of the Town Planning Board and in line with our commitment to a balanced development, the net wetland area would be maintained by the removal of accumulated dumping and the narrowing and removal of some fish pond bunds. Re-profiling the commercial fish ponds will ensure that they will function in a more eco-friendly manner.
The reconfigured and enhanced wetlands will be perpetually managed through the support of a statutory Environment and Conservation Fund (ECF) into which the developers will donate a part of the projected profits from the sale of homes.
Real conservation starts with careful planning aimed at revitalising the environment. The new wetlands will be reinstated on the basis of no net loss in area and function, ensuring that the vibrancy of nature will soon return, marking a new beginning for a healthier, sustainable future.
*Ramsar site is wetland of international importance, designated under the Ramsar Convention. The Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.
Hong Kong Wetland Park
Photo Credit:iStock.com/Jess_Yu
*Total net wetland area will be increased from 140.4 hectares to 140.7 hectares after enhancement.