- 2 -
Continued
regarding this matter. In this letter the writer states: "Of course the Government realises that this decision will be unpopular with those whose principal interest is to preserve their ability to watch wildlife in the area. But this has to be seen in perspective. In the first place, the new estate adjoins the south-east tip of the marshes, whereas the area which is ornithologically most rewarding is in the north, and the effect of the estate on the use of the marshes by migrant birds is speculative and might well prove to be small.
At most what is at issue is the ability of people in Hong
Kong to observe the species. At present this really means the members of the Birdwatching Society and a very few others, though this might change in the future. The Government is sympathetic to the Society's interest, but cannot ignore the fact that it is a small minority group, and that it has no prescriptive rights over this area which is in private ownership."
area.
I find the lack of knowledge evidenced by the above statement somewhat disturbing. The situation is one of international importance, and constitutes an endeavour by several countries to safeguard the migratory birds of the Pan Pacific
This project emanated from the World Conference of the I.C.B.P. held in Tokyo in 1960, when a resolution by Japan, unanimously supported by other Asian National Sections, proposed that countries of the Pan Pacific area conclude Conventions for the protection of migratory birds. As a result, a Convention for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Birds in Danger of Extinction and their Environment was signed between Japan and U.S.A. in March 1972, Japan and U.S.S.R. in 1973, and Japan and Australia in 1974. No doubt you will realise from this information that the possible adverse effects of the proposed development is by no means a matter of local birdwatchers wishing to practise their hobby.
It would certainly be most regrettable if this scheme for international co-operation in safeguarding the migratory birds of the Pan Pacific area was jeopardised through the failure of Hong Kong to play its essential part.
I shall be most grateful if you will kindly give this matter your early attention, and much hope that this problem can be satisfactorily resolved. shall be glad to send you further details if required.
I
c.c.: Professor Jean Dorst
Yours sincerely,
Fyllis Bandy Dunk-
Phyllis Barclay-Smith
Secretary-General