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"In view of this importance, the Mai Po Marshes was listed in 1975 as a Restricted Area under the Wild Birds and Wild Mammals Protection Ordinance, which restricted access to such areas to public officers and people with a permit granted by the Director of Agriculture and Fisheries," he said.
The Wild Birds and Wild Mammals Protection Ordinance was subsequently replaced by the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance in 1976 with Mai Po listed in it.
The spokesman said Hong Kong was obligated under the Ramsar Convention to protect Mai Po and the wildlife there. The inclusion of the mud flats into the Mai Po Restricted Area would give the necessary protection to the area's wild life, especially the waterfowl which depended on the Mai Po Marshes and the mud flats for feeding and resting.
He added that the extension of the restricted area to cover the mud flats would not result in any change to the present land use situation.
The Director of Agriculture and Fisheries will continue to issue permits to oyster farmers, fish farmers and villagers who require access to the extended area.
Public consultation was carried out between the end of 1993 and early 1994. The proposal received strong support from environmental groups and in-principle support from the New Territories Heung Yee Kuk. Site visit was also arranged for the Yuen Long District Board and other local representatives to further understand the extension.
The plan showing the amended boundary has been deposited in the Land Registry for public inspection and copies are also available at all District Offices in the New Territories.
The amended boundary will come into effect on February 15, 1996.
End
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