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The Government appreciates the offer of your Council to approach international organisations to secure financial aid for the preservation of this area of ornithological interest and hopes that this
may be successful. The Report of the Nature Conservation Sub- Committee, referred to above, estimates the capital cost at about HK$3.6 million (say US$750,000) and the annual running costs at HK$310,000 (say US$65,000).
I do not know to what extent the International Council for Bird Preservation may be able to help in meeting these costs. Even if it can, finance is not the only problem. Much of the area adjacent to the proposed nature reserve is in private ownership and it would be difficult for the Government to ensure that the land adjoining the reserve would be protected from further development.
In addition, the Sub-Committee's report indicates that, if the present balance of wild life is to be preserved, the kei wais (or shallow shrimp ponds) must continue to be worked. Otherwise the area will silt up and revert to mangrove swamps, which will lead to a departure of much of the bird life. If the area is made into a nature reserve, with all the controls which this implies, the present "farmers" may be unwilling to continue to operate the kei wais.
I can assure you that the Hong Kong Government is concerned to see that all reasonable steps are taken to preserve wild life in the Mai Po Marshes and elsewhere. In spite of the difficulties, we are considering the establishment of a nature reserve in the Mai Po Marshes. 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.
Perhaps you would let me know if the International Council for Bird Preservation will be in a position to help to finance the nature reserve and wild fowl park?
Yours faithfully,
Ress
(J.J. Robson)
Secretary for the Environment.