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China/Long Valley
Mr. Bao Daming 10 July 2000 Re: Long Valley Wetland area Hong Kong Dear Mr. Bao, It has been drawn to the attention of the Ramsar Bureau that the ecosystem of Long Valley wetland, which is located at the Shenzhen River catchment opening, could be under threat due to a planned railway project. As you know, this wetland area leads to the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site in Hong Kong, and, according to the information received, this developmental activity may have a negative effect on the hydrological system of the Mai Po Marshes and their adjacent area. We would like to draw your attention to article 3.2 of the Convention. According to this article "Each Contracting Party shall arrange to be informed at the earliest possible time if the ecological character of any wetland in its territory and included in the List has changed, is changing or is likely to change as the result of technological developments, pollution or other human interference. Information on such changes shall be passed without delay to the organization or government responsible for the continuing bureau duties specified in Article 8 [the Ramsar Bureau]". As you are surely aware, Long Valley hosts a variety of migratory birds as a key staging and wintering point on their long-distance migrations. The area contains a diversity of microhabitats which allow it to support a diversity of birds. More than 200 bird species have been recorded so far. The Long Valley has also been identified as an Important Bird Area (IBA) of Hong Kong. In addition to its biodiversity and hydrological values, that area is effectively the last place where wet agriculture is practised in Hong Kong. Therefore it also carries a particular heritage value. Due to its close proximity to the Mai Po Ramsar site, a number of waterbirds from the Ramsar site enjoy the rich ecosystems of Long Valley. Consequently, if the information received is correct, a concern arises from the planned railway project and its possible impacts on the hydrology of the ecosystems and local community. It is possible that it would not be easy to avoid serious adverse effects upon the wetland and its surrounding ecosystem, if the railway project is implemented. I would highly appreciate the careful consideration by the Government of China of this matter. I look forward to hear from you at your earliest convenience. If the Ramsar Bureau could be of any assistance, please feel free to contact us. Thank you very much for your attention. Yours sincerely,
Delmar Blasco [Back to main page English | Chinese]
Copyright 1999, Hong Kong Bird Watching Society.
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