TNAG-1628-FCO40-2242-Future-of-Hong-Kong-treaties-1987 — Page 6

布政司署

香港下亞

畢道

*** Our Ref :

(16) in ECON 1/5641/85

來函檔號 Your REF:

Mr. David S. Melville,

Reserve Manager Mai Po :

World Wide Fund For Nature, G.P.O. Box 12721,

1005, Wing On Life Building, 22 Des Voeux Road, Central, Hong Kong.

Dear Sir,

GOVERNment SECRETARIAT

LOWER ALBERT ROAD

HONG KONG

5 June 1987

Inclusion of Mai Po/Deep Bay

on the Ramsar List

Thank you for your letter of 1 June 1987.

Your proposal to include Mai Po and Deep Bay in the Ramsar List has been duly considered. It is felt that the existing arrangement is working effectively and for the time being there is no need to include the above site in the List of Wetlands of International Importance.

From the wild life conservation point of view,

the listing of Mai Po/Deep Bay would not necessarily lead to additional protection. Both sites are already designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest and their importance is duly noted. As far as Mai Po is concerned, public access is restricted by virtue of the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance. The Border Closed Area fence also serves as an effective barrier against unnecessary disturbance.

I regret that your suggestion cannot be accepted. However, staff of the Agriculture & Fisheries Department will monitor the flora and fauna situation in Mai Po and this decision will be reviewed regularly.

Yours faithfully,

(E.S.W. LEE)

for Secretary for Economic Services