TNAG-0532-FCO40-627-Conservation-of-wildlife-in-Hong-Kong-1976 — Page 35

INTERNATIONAL UNION

FOR CONSERVATION OF NATURE

AND NATURAL RESOURCES

1110 MORGES, Switzerland

WORLD WILDLIFE

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IUCN (021) 71 44 01 - WWF (021) 71 44 23

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Cables: IUCN-Unicorn Morges - WWF-Panda Morges

His Excellency

Sir Murray MacLehose, K. C.M.G., M.B.E. Governor of Hong Kong

Government House

Hong Kong

16th May 1975.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources and the World Wildlife Fund recognise the great importance. to wild life, especially migratory and nesting birds, of the swamp area known as the Mai Po Marshes and their unique value for scientif- ic study. We were therefore disturbed to learn recently of the intention of the Government to develop the adjacent Tai Shang Wai area

a housing estate.

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While we cannot but regret that a part of the Deep Bay Marshes system will thus be destroyed, our main concern is that no provision seems to have been made for the proper protection of the remaining Mai Po area. We understand that the Government has repeatedly made known its recognition of the importance, in the essentially urban character of Hong Kong, of conserving such wild nature resources as remain; and has indeed afforded the Mai Po Marshes protection from hunting under the Fourth Schedule of the Wild Birds and Wild Mammals Protection Ordinance. We feel nevertheless that, in the face of the pressures and consequences of urban expansion, such measures are in- adequate to ensure the safeguarding of the ecological integrity of this area, and we would urge that positive steps now be taken by the Govern- ment to establish it as a Nature Reserve under the management of a com- petent Government authority.

In bringing this matter to Your Excellency's personal attention, we wish to assure you of our readiness to assist the Government of Hong Kong in any way in which our respective organisations might be of service in the conservation of this valuable natural area.

....

IUCN

WWF

Provides the scientific and technical advice on joint projects based upon its network of contacts and experts in world conservation.

Provides financial support for such projects as a result of its education, publicity, and fund-raising compaigns.