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The Hong Kong Government has not yet taken up a position on all aspects of this very detailed report which highlights the problems of creating a nature reserve and wild fowl park out of the Mai Po Marshes and gives estimates of about HK$3.6 million (say US$750,000) for capital works plus annual running costs of about HK$310,000 (say US$65,000).
It is accepted, however, that there is considerable merit in the recommendations contained in the report provided the money can be found but with so many calls on public revenue it is difficult to see how this heavy bill can be met from public funds. Nevertheless, in spite of the difficulties, consideration is being given to establishing a nature reserve in the Mai Po Marshes and as a first step it is proposed to restrict entry into the area under powers contained in Hong Kong's Wild Birds and Wild Mammals Protection Ordinance.
The concern of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources and World Wildlife Fund in this matter and their offers of assistance are appreciated. I think the most positive assistance which you could give at ypresent would be the offer of financial support. I feel this could lead to other international and local bodies offering similar assistance and hence early implementation of the recommendations of the Hong Kong Advisory Committee on Recreational Development and Nature Conservation.
Yours faithfully,
Јок
(J.J. Robson)
Secretary for the Environment.
c.c. Hong Kong & Indian Ocean Department,
Foreign & Commonwealth Office,
London SW1,
ENGLAND.
H.E. the Governor
(for information in case he sees Messrs. Webster & Hechtel).