Can but try, I figured, after seeing government is open to comments for the forthcoming policy address by Chief Executive John Lee:
Dear Mr Lee:
Just a brief email regarding the Policy Address; not spending much time as I do not expect to change anything. Just small hope.
I’m a birdwatcher, lived in Hong Kong almost 40 years; also a conservationist.
Of course seen many changes to the natural environment over the years.
Some good, some bad.
As you know, Hong Kong’s lowlands are under the most intense pressure. Indeed understandable; yet perhaps the remaining natural areas here are not treasured enough, nor appreciated for the benefits they deliver.
The key lowland area being the wetlands of Deep Bay and nearby.
To me, it is hugely sad the government plans to destroy and develop on a substantial area of San Tin fishponds.
Does seem nearby hillsides instead suit this development; I hope you will reconsider.
Indeed, I hope for a grander vision for Deep Bay wetland conservation, as in government strategy for northwest New Territories in 2021:
Huge potential here, for an area that abounds with wetland wildlife; also can be outstanding for nature tourism, even leisure such as kayaking through mangroves and more.
The UK has wetland reserves/centres attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors per year; Hong Kong could do likewise.
Plus can help mitigate flooding along the Shenzhen River, able to hold millions of cubic metres of floodwater as the need arise, which can help Hong Kong, and even nearby Shenzhen areas.
Could be a Hub for Wetland Conservation and Tourism in the Greater Bay Area; a shining example, and with many visitors.
In case of interest, I’ve written a post with some history and ideas here:
Living on Cheung Chau, I am also a frequent visitor to birdwatching sites on Lantau.
As you know, Pui O is good, but has suffered considerable damage.
There have been ideas for improving Pui O’s wetlands – see report for HK govt [CEDD] from ERM consultancy, and more – but evidently considered too difficult.
Well, I hope you can aim for action to benefit Pui O. Not easy; partly as there are multiple plots of private land.
But again, can become a marvellous wetland site; in turn attracting many birds, while still home to water buffalo, plus visitors, and adding to the attractions of Lantau in a unique way.
Shui Hau fields could use more help, including shallow ponds – going beyond the rice fields project.
Shap Long, too, could use help; it is also deteriorating, languishing almost forgotten.
I attach three photos I took in Shenzhen at Chinese New Year; partly to show dense crowds of people enjoying seeing ducks and gulls, in a way that is currently impossible in nearby Hong Kong.
Also a facility for watching birds at a Shenzhen wetland park – accessible free of charge.
Should you or colleagues be interested in discussing such ideas further, I am sure there are experts willing to help [I could meet, too].
