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Written by: Zhang Jiamin and Wang Jieen
2021-07-08 19:27
The last update date: 2021-07-08 19:27
The land supply in Hong Kong is tight, and there are voices in the community that are targeting the wetland buffer zone in the New Territories. The government has earlier threatened to consider increasing the density of development without affecting the ecology.
The Solidarity Hong Kong Fund issued a research report today (8th). Some of the proposed developments involve wetland buffer zones, including brownfields and abandoned fish ponds. It is recommended that the government should use development proceeds for conservation.
The Changchun News Agency refuted the statement and believed that the government should first ban illegal development in the wetland buffer zone, rather than rationalize it.
He also pointed out that if the wetland buffer zone is included in the development area, there will be concerns that it will affect the ecology of the wetland.
The Unity Hong Kong Fund urges the government to study 9 potential development areas in the New Territories.
(Profile picture)
The Solidarity Hong Kong Fund issued a report stating that 9 potential development areas are expected to provide more than 3,000 hectares of land, and some of the proposed development areas involve wetland buffer zones.
This includes the wetland buffer zone near the Sha Po Development Area and adjacent to Au Tau Station on the Northern Link.
In the area of Ngau Tam Mei Station, the report also pointed out that there are many brownfields there, and part of the nearby wetland buffer zone has been abandoned fishing ponds.
The report suggests that improper brownfield operations can be corrected through development and more appropriate planning and development can be made to improve the current situation.
In addition, in the Kwu Tung North New Development Area, the report also pointed out that it is recommended to expand the development area to the north, and the location of the expansion area is located in the wetland buffer zone.
According to the report, the area is already vegetation or vacant land, and it is recommended to develop in consideration of nearby wetlands.
The Kwu Tung North New Development Area proposed by the United Hong Kong Fund to expand will include the wetland buffer zone in the development area.
(Screenshot of Solidarity Hong Kong Fund Report)
Fanling Golf Course is not included in the extension area
The report also recommends expanding the development of the surrounding land of the Fanling Golf Course, including farmland and brownfields, but it does not cover the Fanling Golf Course. It only follows the government's partial development plan, that is, only 32 hectares of land will be recovered for housing.
Solidarity Hong Kong Fund: Wetland conservation through development proceeds
According to Ye Wenqi, head of land and housing research at the Unity Hong Kong Fund, many wetlands or wetland buffer zones in the Deep Bay area are no longer wetlands.
He said that the last wetland study was in 1997, and it has been 24 years since it has been different. For example, some fish ponds have dried up or they have been used for brownfield development.
He suggested that the government should conduct more detailed studies and carefully examine the areas that should be preserved.
Ye Wenqi also pointed out that in building design or planning, there are ways to reduce the impact on wetlands or migratory birds, such as reducing the height of buildings, preserving ventilation or migratory bird corridors, etc. At the same time, wetland compensation can also be used.
He also emphasized that it is not possible to "Buddha" to protect wetlands, that is, to simply preserve wetlands, but to "actively conserve". The money needed can be further protected through the benefits of development.
He took the United Kingdom as an example, where there is a conservation trust fund system, and they use the money they have developed to do conservation work.
The United Hong Kong Fund proposes that the development area can be built into three themed areas, such as cultural and technological corridors, modern logistics and business circles, and recreational spaces.
(Provided by Unity Hong Kong Fund)
Excluding Ding Di's cause to develop as soon as possible
Huang Yuanshan, senior vice president of the Unity Hong Kong Fund, pointed out that if planning and reasonable development are done, the productivity and resources it brings can make existing conservation better.
Huang Yuanshan stated that among the 9 potential development areas, no small house land has been allocated to the above-mentioned area.
He explained that because Ding Quan has entered the judicial process and they hope to use the fastest and clearest regulations to advance the 3,000 hectares of land, Ding Land is excluded.
Wu Xiwen, public affairs manager of Changchun News Agency, pointed out that if there is a precedent for the development of wetland buffer zone, it will further affect the wetland ecology.
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Changchun News Agency pointed out that damaged wetlands should be repaired first
Wu Xiwen, the public affairs manager of Changchun News Agency, pointed out that the report pointed out that brownfields and fishing ponds in the wetland buffer zone are illegal developments. The government needs to follow the existing regulations to repair the relevant land, rather than rationalize the violations.
He said that the establishment of the wetland buffer zone is to avoid the destruction of the wetland conservation area. He is worried that if there is a precedent for the development of the wetland buffer zone, it will further affect the wetland ecology. line."
He also refuted the United Hong Kong Fund's statement that wetland conservation programs should not be introduced through development, but should be allocated resources for wetland conservation in accordance with existing policies.
He also pointed out that controversial land development options such as Fanling Golf Course and small house development should not be avoided, and development should be done through comprehensive planning.
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