Northern Metropolis｜Ling Jiaqin: Wetlands must be properly managed and actively managed. Do not treat them with a conspiracy mentality

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor proposed in the new "Policy Address" that the development of the "Northern Metropolis" includes plans to recover about 700 hectares of private wetlands and fish ponds, and set up a multi-functional wetland conservation park.

However, the wetland park plan did not see details, which aroused the concern of environmental groups.

Ling Jiaqin, Hong Kong Government Policy Innovation and Co-ordination Office and Hong Kong-Shenzhen Cooperation Strategic Planning Consultant, explained in an interview with "Hong Kong 01" that many wetlands in the northern New Territories are currently unmanaged, causing many problems, including dumping and filling of ponds. Vandalism.

Ling believes that proper management must be implemented to maintain the ecological value of wetlands and carry out restoration work on wetlands in need.

As for the aquaculture industry in the area, Ling pointed out that handing over to the local fish farmers to continue to operate their aquaculture is also to establish a wetland system. One of the functions that he hopes to achieve is that "the fish farmers need to be particularly worried."

He also sent a message to environmental groups, "Instead of looking at things with suspicion, full of misgiving, or even conspiracy, it is better to cooperate with a positive attitude and do a good job together."

▼Site selection of three wetland conservation parks▼

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The "Northern Metropolis Development Strategy" suggests that the government intends to recover about 700 hectares of private wetlands and fish ponds.

Ling Jiaqin pointed out that although many wetlands in the north are currently designated as conservation areas, "but other than that, no other work protection is carried out. Passive measures are taken." As a result, many problems occurred in the area, including man-made damage, such as damage. Nai et al. "Although the government can enforce the law, actions often have to wait until the sabotage has occurred."

Ling explained that if the wetland lacks management, it will degrade and even become dry, which will affect the ecological value of conservation.

Therefore, it is planned to merge the land with the rest of the government land to form a wetland conservation system of about 2,000 hectares, which can be developed into several wetland parks, and hopes to achieve four functions, including maintaining the ecological value of the wetland and leaving it to fish farmers to continue the original The development of aquaculture, the development of scientific research in the aquaculture industry, and the provision of ecological recreational and educational facilities.

Instead of looking at things with suspicion, full of doubts, or even conspiracy (northern metropolitan area), it is better to cooperate with a positive attitude and do a good job together.

Ling Jiaqin

Special report on wetland parks in northern metropolitan area:

Northern Metropolis｜The current situation of the site selection of the Three Wetland Parks One by one, the vast fish ponds are a paradise for birds

Northern Metropolis｜Xintian fish farmers support the establishment of a wetland park for more than 30 years, and hope to keep fish ponds

Northern Metropolis｜Wetland Park plan does not mention details

Ling Jiaqin: The government has taken an important step

Ling also emphasized that without proper management, the damage to the ecology will be greater, so it needs to be actively managed. "It is equivalent to opening mountain trails in country parks to guide citizens to live and travel. Don’t go to other places. Human activities can be concentrated. Another place can be preserved."

Concerned by environmental groups, the addition of recreational facilities in conservation areas may cause overcrowding and even damage.

Ling Jiaqin said bluntly, "The Environmental Group is not worried about the family. First of all, we must know that the government has taken a very important step. We should welcome and be happy about the active conservation policy."

He pointed out that the population of the northern New Territories has increased and the public has a demand for outdoor recreation, but if there is no recreational space provided, "the citizens will create it themselves and go to barbecue and fishing grounds." He took country parks as an example. There are more than 10 million visitors every year. Enjoy, but human activities have not caused damage to most of the natural ecological environment.

Ling Jiaqin pointed out that entrusting the original fish farmers to continue their aquaculture is one of the functions that the establishment of a wetland system hopes to achieve.

(Photo by Lu Yiming)

The "Northern Metropolis Development Strategy" recommends that the government recover about 700 hectares of private wetlands and fish ponds to form a wetland conservation system of about 2,000 hectares.

(Screenshot of "Northern Metropolis Development Strategy")

Xintian Technology City is estimated to occupy 70 hectares of rural land

However, Ling Jiaqin admitted that the development of Xintian Science and Technology City must use part of the existing rural areas and fishing ponds, which are estimated to occupy 70 hectares of rural land.

He believes that through active management and restoration, part of the wetland ecological function for development can be supplemented. "I don’t think we need to worry about it. Instead, we should cooperate with the government to implement the policy well. Harmony between urban and rural areas, a state where conservation and development coexist."

I was asked if I was worried that land resumption would be blocked, making it difficult for the plan to develop?

He pointed out that he was optimistic about the land resumption process, and said bluntly that "anything you want to do will be opposed and blocked," so he will deal with it in a positive way.

For example, he pointed out that if some people are worried about the loss of their interests, "we will have reasonable compensation for everything under our research."

▼Hetao District▼

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Northern Metropolitan Area | Xintian fish farmers support the establishment of a wetland park for more than 30 years. The northern metropolitan area of ​​fish ponds remains. The current status of the site selection of the park. The vast fish ponds are originally the northern metropolis of bird paradise. The Hong Kong government ignores the Sha Tau Kok Development Association to promote the full opening of the Zhongying Street. Cost Policy Address | Proposed 30,000 hectares of Northern Metropolitan Development Bureau: land shortage increased to 3,000 hectares

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