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From: Taej Mundkur
The Hon Tung Chee-hwa Dear Sir, It is with great concern that Wetlands International - Asia Pacific addresses you with regards to the proposed plan to build a railway through Long Valley wetlands in the New Territories, Hong Kong. As you may well be aware, wetlands are the cradle of life. The civilisation and development of mankind the world over has been along coastal and inland wetlands. The pressures of development have unfortunately accelerated the conversion and destruction of wetlands, especially during the last century in Asia. As a result, wetlands are being fragmented and lost at an unsustainable rate. The natural values and functions that these important habitats play (through flood and storm control, natural treatment of organic and inorganic pollutants, provision of clean water, as a nursery ground for fish and other biodiversity and many more) are being adversely affected, to such a point that the progress of mankind as we know it is at serious risk. Conservation and sustainable use of the remaining wetlands has thus become an urgent issue. As a Contracting Party to the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Convention), it is important for the Hong Kong government to take a strong view to promote the conservation and sustainable use of all wetlands in its entire territory. This should be done in addition to conservation measures being implemented at its only Ramsar site, the Mai Po Marshes, an area of international importance for migratory and resident waterbirds and for environmental education. Hong Kong has proven to the world that along with development, it values the protection of natural habitats for humans and conservation of biodiversity in many natural areas. Such a pragmatic approach will go a long way to ensure that its development will be viable in the longer term. Development of railway and other public transportation systems are important and necessary for progress. However, these transportation needs should be balanced with the conservation of natural ecosystems. As the Long Valley area is the last habitat of its kind in Hong Kong and supports several locally and globally threatened species, it is important that the authorities identify alternatives to the proposed railway project. These alternatives should avoid any development in the Long Valley wetland area. Through a concerted environmental education and awareness programme aimed at educating the public on the importance of the Long Valley wetlands and the need for its conservation, the government will find greater support for alternative routes and plans. Wetlands International is an international non-government organisation and our mission is to work with people around the world to sustain and restore wetlands, their resources and biodiversity for future generations through research, information exchange and conservation activities. We have been fortunate to be involved in the development of conservation plans for the Mai Po Marshes and are very pleased with the positive steps that the Hong Kong government is taking to ensure the conservation of the Inner Deep Bay. On behalf of Wetlands International - Asia Pacific, I would like to appeal once again that the government seriously consider the other proposed alternatives and not proceed with the construction of the railway through Long Valley as currently proposed.
Dr. Taej Mundkur WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL - ASIA PACIFIC
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Copyright 1999, Hong Kong Bird Watching Society.
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