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(d) The purpose of the buffer zone is to help protect and conserve the Mai Po Nature Reserve and the sites of special scientific interest. In determining the coverage of the buffer zone, we have taken into account the following factors:
(i)
In accordance with the precautionary principle, the buffer zone covers an area as large as practicable to ensure that the Mai Po Nature Reserve and Inner Deep Bay are protected and conserved as a natural habitat to enhance and sustain the wildlife in the area.
(ii) No important ecological habitats should be left as isolated islands
and should be linked with one another.
(iii) In the immediate vicinity of Deep Bay
-
(1) only land uses devoted to conservation management of the
wetland areas and environmental education are permitted;
(2) semi-natural habitats such as fish ponds and gei-wais are
preserved; and
(3) natural features and scenic qualities are conserved.
(iv) In the wider area adjacent to (iii), an effective buffer should be created between the Mai Po Nature Reserve and Inner Deep Bay on the one hand and the built-up areas on the other by -
(1) preserving fish ponds in the wider area;
(2) controlling building development;
(3) protecting the overall amenity and water quality of the area;
and
(4)preserving the rural setting.
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