今年5月初，立法會財務委員會正式通過古洞北及粉嶺北新發展區的前期及第一期工程撥款。直至上週四（2019年9月26日）政府正式張貼「古洞北及粉嶺北新發展區前期及第一期收回土地公告」[1]，公告涵蓋的土地將於12月下旬成為政府土地，而塱原亦包括在收地範圍內。由於塱原的高生態價值，塱原濕地將會成為自然生態公園，在自然生態公園開放前，將會進行一些改善工程，預計需時約3年。
香港觀鳥會與長春社自2012年就「古洞北新發展區－塱原及附近一帶農地的規劃方案」發表聯合聲明後，兩會一直與相關部門溝通，希望塱原濕地能夠依照以下五個原則，順利轉化成｢塱原自然生態公園」：
一、 塱原在成為自然生態公園之前或後都不能有任何生態上的破壞或惡化；
二、 塱原自然生態公園必須維持現有的高度多樣化農地環境，這亦是塱原獨特之處；
三、 顧及和保障塱原農民的生計；
四、 實施生態友善的農地管理方法；
五、 控制遊客人數，不應以大眾旅遊作招徠。
根據發展局本年初提交予立法會發展事務委員會的文件，37公頃的塱原自然生態公園將分為三個區域：遊客區域（約佔4.8公頃）、農業區域（約佔11公頃）、生態保育區域（約佔20.9公頃）[2]。農業區域和生態保育區域均會採取生態友善的農耕管理方法，以保留塱原的農耕特色及維持塱原的生態價值。
兩會亦會在未來的過渡期和施工期間密切監察，並與有關部門保持聯繫，以免塱原的生境及生物多樣性受到影響。
[1] 政府新聞公告（2019年9月26日）：政府張貼收回土地公告以推行古洞北及粉嶺北新發展區第一階段發展計劃
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201909/26/P2019092600233.htm
[2] 2019年1月22日立法會CB(1)499/18-19(01)號文件
https://www.legco.gov.hk/yr18-19 ... 0122cb1-499-1-c.pdf
In early May this year, Finance Committee of the Legislative Council approved the funding for the Advance and First Phase Works of the Kwu Tung North and Fanling North New Development Areas. Last Thursday (26 September 2019), the Government posted notices of land resumption for the first phase development of the new development areas of Kwu Tung North and Fanling North [1]. The area covered in the notice, including Long Valley, will be resumed and become Government land in late December. As Long Valley is of high ecological value, it will be developed into Long Valley Nature Park (LVNP). The corresponding enhancement and construction works will take around 3 years before the opening of the LVNP.
Since HKBWS and The Conservancy Association announced a joint statement on the “Kwu Tung North New Development Area – Proposed plan on Long Valley and neighboring agricultural area” in 2012, both organizations has been communicating with relevant Government departments to ensure the transition of Long Valley into LVNP follows the five principles below:
1. The ecology of Long Valley should not be destroyed or deteriorated before and after the establishment of LVNP;
2. The highly diverse farmland habitat, which is the uniqueness of Long Valley, should be maintained in the LVNP;
3. Local farmers’ livelihood should be protected and secured;
4. Eco-friendly farmland management method should be implemented;
5. No mass tourism. Number of visitors should be controlled.
According to the paper submitted by the Development Bureau to Panel on Development of the Legislative Council (LegCo) early this year, the 37-hectare LVNP will be divided into three zones: Visitor Zone (about 4.8 hectares), Eco-agriculture Zone (about 11 hectares) and Conservation Zone (about 20.9 hectares)[2]. Eco-friendly agriculture will be practiced in Eco-agriculture Zone and Conservation Zone in order to conserve the agricultural characteristics and ecological value of Long Valley.
We will closely monitor the site and communicate with relevant Government departments during the transition and construction period of LVNP, so as to prevent any adverse impacts on the habitats and biodiversity of Long Valley.
[1] Government Press Release (26 September 2019): Government posts notices of land resumption for first phase development of Kwu Tung North New Development Area and Fanling North New Development Area
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201909/26/P2019092600640.htm
[2] Legislative Council document LC Paper No. CB(1)499/18-19(01), 22 January, 2019.
https://www.legco.gov.hk/yr18-19 ... 0122cb1-499-1-e.pdf
