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"ˇKThe area is excellent for many species of freshwater wetland birds - and is clearly an extremely important area of wetland for maintaining Hong Kong's regional biodiversity. Considering the attractiveness of the area to various pipit and snipe species (which we failed locate at other sites in Hong Kong) it would be a very significant loss to Hong Kong - and its image as an environmental leader - if the area were to be further degraded in any way."
"ˇK Not only does Long Valley provide a vision of how all rural Hong Kong once was, but even more importantly, by default, an important wildlife environment in its own rightˇK Whenever we take our birdwatching groups to Hong Kong we always make a point of visiting Long Valley, and everyone we take there finds the area a tranquil oasis after the noise and pollution that is prevalent in much of Hong Kong."
In his presentation of plans for Kwu Tung North on 19 November, 1999 Mr Siu outlined a plan which stated that Long Valley would be protected as an area of ecological value.
"ˇKObviously if Long Valley was lost the birds would suffer and so would the biodiversity of Hong Kong. If the Government is promoting sustainable development, biodiversity is one of the ˇ§8 Guiding Principlesˇ¨ˇK Allowing the railway to pierce the heart of Long Valley is indeed sad and miserable. ˇKThis will lead to increased environmental disturbance, which will affect the habitat of the wildlife."
"ˇKAs a local resident grwoing up in this area I am sad to see the irrevocable damage which has been done to our natural ecosystem. Because of our selfishness, our nxt generation will not be able to enjoy this 'fantastic home'.
"ˇKAmidst the rapid pace of city life in the 21st Century, it is important that we preserve our countrysideˇK"
Copyright 1999, Hong Kong Bird Watching Society.
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