TNAG-0532-FCO40-627-Conservation-of-wildlife-in-Hong-Kong-1976 — Page 97

Reference....

Mr Timms

referate munti

Dur

1512

see A

CONVENTION ON WETLANDS OF INTERNATIONAL IMPORTANCE

1.

2.

Mr Colquhoun's minute of 7 May below.

If Hong Kong is included in the UK's instrument of ratification it could create something of a dilemma for them. Once included they will be asked if they have any areas which could be designated as wetlands of international importance (para 6 of the draft telegram attached to Mr Colquhoun's minute). The area known as the Mai Po Marshes has for some time been considered an important wetland area by several international ornithological societies. If Hong Kong is included in the UK ratification there would almost certainly be strong pressure on Hong Kong to officially designate this area as a wetland. As you know, there is currently a controversy in Hong Kong over the Government's decision to allow a large housing estate to be built immediately adjacent to the marshes. As Article 3 of the Convention states that any designated area of wetland should remain undeveloped and that any details of technological developments, pollution or human interference should be passed on to the organisation or government responsible, Hong Kong could find itself in an embarrassing situation.

3.

However, I would think that these are not strong enough grounds for excluding Hong Kong from our instrument of ratification, particularly as STD have said that they hope that all dependent territories could be included.

12 May 1975

Ананы

A L Wotton

Hong Kong and Indian Ocean Department

This convention should present no difficulty for

Seychelles

or BIOT.

strict nature reserve.

In BIOT, Aldabra is a

The Seychelles Gart

I have