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"The 1,500-hectare wetland is a 'refuelling station' for migratory birds including many rare and endangered species which rely on it for feeding and resting in their long flight.
"The area is also significant for its conservation value for the number of local animal species it supports. Also, over a dozen invertebrate species new to science. have been discovered in the area," he added.
The government also intends to extend the Mai Po Marshes Restricted Area to cover the Inner Deep Bay inter-tidal mudflats under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance. This will further protect the ecological system of this important wetland.
A comprehensive management plan for the area will be put in place upon the completion of a consultancy study by wetland ecologists. Preparation for the commissioning of the consultancy, which is expected to begin in 1996, is in hand.
The consultancy study will cover creation and restoration of habitats for waterfowl, ecological survey and monitoring, vegetation and wildlife management as well as the establishment of visitor centres and education facilities.
The Director of Agriculture and Fisheries will be the co-ordinator and future management authority of the Mai Po Ramsar site.
End/Monday, September 4, 1995
Commercial Radio's licence review report completed
A report summarising the views expressed and the major issues raised at the two public hearings for the mid-term review of the licence of Hong Kong Commercial Broadcasting Company Limited (CRHK) will be available to the public as from Wednesday (September 6).
The major issues raised at the public hearings concerned the programming strategy of CRHK, performance of programme hosts, allocation of advertising time, reception problems, the role and work of the Broadcasting Authority (BA) and regulation of the licensee.
Both BA and CRHK found the views expressed by members of the public at the hearings useful and valuable in evaluating CRHK's performance against the various statutory requirements and licence conditions.
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