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CONFIDENTIAL
the Hong Kong Government cannot go the whole way to this end for a number of reasons including the fact that part of the area is claimed by a commune on the Chinese side of the border. However, the Advisory Committee recently endorsed a report recommending that the marshes should be developed so as to protect wildlife there. The report suggested that the marshes should be divided into
three sections:
(i) a nature conservation area on the border with China; (ii) a nature education area further south in the form of a
wildlife park; and
(iii)
an undeveloped area with unrestricted access further south again.
The latter permits the continuance of shallow shrimp ponds which, in the opinion of the Advisory Committee, is ecologically advantageous since the ponds provide the food on which the birds
live.
41.
It is estimated that the capital cost of implementing this scheme is of the order of HK$3.6 million with annual running costs of HK$310,000. The Hong Kong Government will be hard pressed to find the necessary funds but it appears they are willing to consider the possibility and their reply to the International Council for Bird Preservation asks whether the Council is in a position to support the project financially. Further studies are in hand on the complex legal and political issues in order that a formal scheme might be presented to the Government to support an application for funds. In the meantime the Hong Kong Government propose to restrict entry into the area by a system of permits.
5.
We are in touch with the Hong Kong Government about the possibility of the Colony being included in the UK ratification of the 1972 Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, and have made the point to them that the proposals under consideration for the Mai Po marshes should substantially reduce the difficulties in the way of their adherence.
11 June 1975
PL O'Keeffe
Hong kong & Indian Ocean Dept.
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CONFIDENTIAL