Green Group Joint statement on Northern Metropolis Strategy 環保團體對《北部都會區發展策略》的聯合回應
Joint green group recommendations on Northern Metropolis Strategy:
A call for a holistic conservation policy and timetable for the protection of sites of conservation importance
Photo credit: WWF-Hong Kong
We appreciate and welcome the proactive conservation measures proposed by the Government under the Northern Metropolis Strategy, including the resumption of private fishponds and other wetlands in the Deep Bay area in the Northwestern New Territories under the Land Resumption Ordinance (Cap. 124). However, the Northern Metropolis also has been planned to host a population of about 2.5 million people. With development at such mammoth scale, we consider that a series of measures and actions are required to ensure current conservation efforts are not compromised by developments in the Northern Metropolis area before and during the planning, construction and operation phases. Thus, we urge the Chief Executive and her teams to take the following measures in regard to the nature conservation issues of the Northern Metropolis Strategy: (more…)
土地共享先導計劃 關於南生圍及社山兩宗申請的聯合聲明 Joint Statement from NGOs concerning Two Applications under the Land Sharing Pilot Scheme at Nam Sang Wai and She Shan
Click here for the English version
土地共享先導計劃
關於南生圍及社山兩宗申請的聯合聲明
1. 就最近兩宗在土地共享先導計劃(LSPS)下分別位於南生圍(LSPS-002 )及林村社山(LSPS-003 )的申請，我們希望藉此聯合聲明表達深切關注。該兩個申請地點現在主要為鄉郊環境所覆蓋及包圍，發展密度極低；而有關申請不但會為該兩處引入高樓大廈(LSPS-002：24至25層；LSPS-003：17至39層)，更會帶來龐大人口(LSPS-002：10,487人；LSPS-003：33,937人)。簡而言之，我們認為這兩個項目實在難以理解，我們會在下文詳細闡述。 (more…)
Nam Sang Wai Conservation Poll Result 保育南生圍投票結果公佈
八成三市民支持南生圍保育
環圍呼籲政府著手研究保育方案
今年三月南生圍的蘆葦床起火，南生圍的保育狀況及威脅再度受到關注。環保團體創建香港、綠色和平、綠色力量、長春社、香港觀鳥會及香港地球之友早前委託香港大學民意研究計劃進行全港性抽樣問卷調查，成功訪問一千零三名市民有關南生圍保育的意見。
民調指當中八成三的市民支持保育南生圍的自然景觀；六成一的市民支持根據法例向土地業權人收地、或以非原址換地等方式，長遠保育南生圍的自然環境。長春社公共事務經理吳希文指從民調中清晰可見，市民希望保育南生圍毋庸置疑，民調結果亦顯示有不少聲音支持政府出手保育南生圍，過往政府在新自然保育政策下認為不少保育方案並不切實可行，然而新自然保育政策自2004年推行至今已超過十年，政府宜再檢討當中各保育方案。
香港觀鳥會高級保育主任胡明川又指南生圍有獨特的生態及景觀，在2004年被加入新自然保育政策須優先加強保育地點清單之中，其重要性不比清單中的其他項目低。南生圍毗連具國際保育地位的米埔內后海灣拉姆薩爾濕地，亦位於「濕地保育區」內，是后海灣濕地生態系統不可劃割的一部分。南生圍的生態環境豐富，有魚塘、泥灘、潮澗帶等，其大片的蘆葦床更是全港數一數二。這為不少具保育價值的雀鳥及野生動物提供覓食及棲息地，包括全球瀕危的黑臉琵鷺、受區域關注的中華攀雀、受本地關注的黃葦鳽，以及全球近危的歐亞水獺。該區魚塘旁邊的樹木也是冬候鳥普通鸕鷀在后海灣地區重要的晚棲地。因此，南生圍的生態環境及必須要被保育。
兩位立法會議員鄺俊宇及朱凱廸亦分別指出南生圍的公眾價值，面對破壞，政府不應坐視不理。南生圍鄰近元朗市中心，除了擁有具高生態及保育價值的生境，南生圍也是不少電影及電視劇的取景地方，假日時亦吸引不少遊人前來踩單車、野餐、郊遊等，是受市民喜愛的鄉郊休閒地點。近十年來已有七次火災，然而未有一人被捕，再加上發展項目的威脅，不禁令人懷疑政府是否故意縱容環境破壞。
綠色力量總監鄭睦奇博士表示民調中見出市民對於收回南生圍、或以非原址換地等長遠保育方案並不抗拒，甚至支持，政府應著力研究南生圍的長遠保育方案。短期內，政府亦應出招以防南生圍再被火燒和各種破壞威脅，制訂管理協議令現時的生境得以被保護和管理，讓市民和下一代都可以享受這片自然環境。
問卷調查結果:
https://www.hkupop.hku.hk/english/report/nsw_2018/index.html
83% Citizens support Nam Sang Wai Conservation
Green Groups call for Government Conservation Proposal
In March of this year, the reed beds in Nanshangwai caught fire, and the state of conservation and threats in Namshangwai give rise to concerns again. A number of green groups Designing Hong Kong, Greenpeace, Green Power, The Conservancy Association (CA), Hong Kong Bird Watching Society (HKBWS) and Friends of the Earth (HK) entrusted the Public Opinion Program of the University of Hong Kong (HKU POP) to conduct public opinion survey on the conservation of Nam Seng Wai and successfully interviewed 1,300 citizens.
According to the poll result, 83% of citizens supported the conservation of the natural landscape in Nam Sang Wai. 61% of citizens support land resumption from landlord with reference to law and the non-in-situ exchange etc, in hopes of continuously protect and conserve the natural environment of Nam Seng Wai. Mr. Hei Man Ng, the Campaign Manager of CA, pointed out that citizen’s determination on conserving Nam Seng Wai is undoubted based on the poll’s result. It also showed that Hong Kong government should put effort on conserving Nam Seng Wai from the public’s perspective. He further supplemented that the conservation measures under the New Nature Conservation Policy are no longer practical as the policy has been implemented since 2004. Government should review the conservation measures under the policy again.
Ms. Ming Chuan Woo, the senior conservation officer in HKBWS, stated that Nam Sang Wai has its unique ecology and natural landscape. Nam Sang Wai has been listed as one of the priority sites for enhanced conservation under the New Nature Conservation Policy since 2004. Its importance is at similar level of other priority site. Moreover, Nam Sang Wai is adjacent to the Ramsar Site, which is well-known in the world, and inside the Conservation Area. It is an important part of the Deep Bay Wetland Ecosystem that cannot be separated.
She pointed out that there is a rich ecological environment in Nam Sang Wai, including fish ponds, mudflats and tidal belts. Its large reed beds are one of the best in Hong Kong. This provides forage and habitat for many conservative species of birds and wildlife, including the globally endangered Black-faced Spoonbill, Chinese Penduline Tit that are of regional concern, Yellow Bittern that are of local concern, and Eurasian Otter. The trees next to the fish ponds in this area are also important habitats for common migratory birds Great Cormorant in the Deep Bay area. Therefore, the ecological environment in Nam Sang Wai must be conserved.
Mr. Chun Yu Kwong and Mr. Hoi Dick Chu, the two legislators, also pointed out the recreational value of Nam Sang Wai among general public. The government should take action to confront the land destruction. Nam Sang Wai is close to the Yuen Long Town Hall. Apart from having a high ecological and conservation value, Nam Sang Wai is also a location for many movies and TV dramas production. It attracts many tourists to cycle, relax and have picnic during holidays. It is a very popular rural leisure spot. In the past ten years, there have been seven fires. However, no one has been arrested. Couple with the private development threats, it is suspicious that the government intentionally indulge the destructive behavior.
Dr. Luk Ki Cheng, the director of the Green Power, said that the citizens are not reluctant to, or even support, the land resumption or the non-in-situ exchange etc as long-term measures in Nam Sang Wai Conservation. The government should make efforts in studying the long-term conservation program of Nam Sang Wai. In the short term, the Government should also take measures to prevent the fire and various threats of destruction, and formulate a management agreement so that the existing habitat can be protected and managed. Meanwhile, public and the next generation can enjoy this natural environment
Poll result:
https://www.hkupop.hku.hk/english/report/nsw_2018/index.html
Joint statement regarding dumping and land filling by concern groups and environmental NGOs 關注團體及環保組織就傾倒泥頭和填土問題的聯署信
Dumping and land filling on land reserved for conservation and agricultural uses continues to impact Hong Kong’s habitats, ecology and biodiversity. Concern groups and environmental NGOs are deeply concerned over the lack of preventive and enforcement action by government against unauthorized and unintended land uses.
Today, Designing Hong Kong together with other concern groups urge government to remove the obstacles in legislation, establish a public and transparent land database and set up a Conservation Enforcement Task Force.
Joint statement by concern groups and environmental NGOs regarding dumping and land filling:
English: Joint statement regarding dumping and land filling by concern groups and environmental NGOs
Chinese: 關注團體及環保組織就傾倒泥頭和填土問題的聯署信
在保育地區和農地上傾倒泥頭和填土的行為，一直影響香港的自然生境、生態及生物多樣性。關注團體及環保組織對此深切關注，但政府缺乏預防和執法的措施去阻止這些未經批准和規劃的土地用途。今日，創建香港和其他關注團體在立法會環境事務委員會討論”天水圍嘉湖山莊附近堆積泥頭及疑涉非法堆填的事宜”前，在立法會門外示威，要求政府移除就法例上的漏洞，設立公開和透明度高的數據庫及設立保育執法專責小組等。
關注團體及環保組織就傾倒泥頭和填土問題的聯署信：
英文版: Joint statement regarding dumping and land filling by concern groups and environmental NGOs
Protect HK’s nature. BSAP Consultation deadline 7 April 2016 保護香港自然生態 《生物多樣性策略及行動計劃》諮詢4月7日截止
（中文往下）
Government is preparing a Biodiversity Action and Strategy Plan.
The objective is to better safeguard Hong Kong’s biodiversity, and to contribute to safeguarding the world’s biodiversity.
Our concern is the absence of a comprehensive debate.
Hong Kong’s land supply strategy and conserving biodiversity need to be looked at as one and not two discussions in separate rooms.
There is also an urgent need to reform legislation to protect habitats on private land, as proven by the ongoing land filling and tree felling throughout rural areas and country parks.
The BSAP consultation will conclude mid-nite 7 Apr 2016.
Below are links to the Government website as well as suggestions and form letters to aid your timely response.
Designing Hong Kong form letter for your use.
An effective Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (by Paul Zimmerman, CEO of Designing Hong Kong)
Other Petitions
1. WWF – Hong Kong – Petition for an effective BASP (English)
2. Conservancy Association – Express your opinion about BASP (Chinese only)
3. Kadoorie Farm& Botanic Garden – A Better World: Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (English)
References
2. Presentations Public forum – BSAP: Charting a sustainable future for Hong Kong – held on 19 March.
政府正在制訂《生物多樣性策略及行動計劃》。
計劃的目標是保護香港的生物多樣性，由此為保護全球的生物多樣性作出貢獻。
但我們擔心有關的計劃缺乏共同的辯論。
香港的土地供應策略和生物多樣性的保育需要作為一個整體看待，不可能分開討論。
同時，我們急須修改法例去保障私人土地上的生境，以阻止現時在鄉郊和郊野公園發生傾倒和斬樹的破壞情況。
《生物多樣性策略及行動計劃》將於4月7日晚上11:59分前截止。
附註的網址是政府相關網頁和各個環團和關注團體的建議和聯署信，希望各位能及時回應。
創建香港就《生物多樣性策略及行動計劃》發起的聯署信
An effective Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (by Paul Zimmerman, CEO of Designing Hong Kong)
其他聯署信
1. 世界自然基金會－香港分會－把握關鍵時機！為環境保育加把勁！（中文）
2. 長春社－向漁護署表達你對《香港生物多樣性策略及行動計劃》的意見（中文）
3. 嘉道理農場暨植物園－《生物多樣性策略及行動計劃》公眾諮詢（中文）
4. 土地正義聯盟向聯合國環境規劃署／生物多樣性公約秘書處發出的聯署信－保護生物多樣性（英文及中文）
參考資料
1. 漁農自然護理署－公眾諮詢－香港《生物多樣性策略及行動計劃》（中文）
2. 公眾論壇的演講「《生物多樣性策略及行動計劃》—計劃香港的永續藍圖」（3月19日）
東涌河流自然公園計劃 Tung Chung River Nature Park Proposal
數個關注東涌發展的組織已向政府提議沿東涌河和河口設立河流自然公園。計劃希望政府能收購沿東涌河的私人土地。這些私人土地，根據規劃署2014年公佈的東涌新巿鎮建議發展大綱圖，大部份會劃作自然保育區和海岸保護區。
收購方案建基於公眾利益，希望能達致東涌河防洪和保育的目的。我們更建議以防洪為優先的準則下，於東涌河流自然公園設立公眾休閒設施，享受自然環境。
我們相信此計劃能為土地持有人、本地居民和遊客帶來益處。河流自然公園既能為東涌日漸增加的人口，提供高質素的自然環境，又能保護當地社區免受洪水威脅。
關注東涌發展的組織包括： 創建香港、生態教育及資源中心、綠色力量、香港觀鳥會、Hong Kong Outdoors、大嶼山愛護水牛協會、長春社、世界自然（香港）基金會
An alliance of concern groups has submitted a proposal to Government for a River Nature Park covering the Tung Chung River and Estuary.
The proposal is for Government to resume the private land along the Tung Chung River, most of which will be zoned for conservation and coastal protection uses according to the Tung Chung New Town Recommended Outline Development Plan published by the Planning Department in 2014.
It is proposed that the land is resumed for public purposes including flood control andnature conservation. We further propose that the Tung Chung River Nature Park will be managed as a public amenity for leisure, recreation and appreciation of nature, as well as for flood hydraulics.
We believe this proposal will benefit land owners, as well as local residents and visitors. The park will provide a quality nature experience for the growing population of Tung Chung and for visitors, while protecting the community from flooding.
Click here for joint letter about Tung Chung River Nature Park Proposal
Alliance of concern groups includes: Designing Hong Kong, Eco-Education and Resource Centre,Green Power, Hong Kong Bird Watching Society, Hong Kong Outdoors, Lantau Buffalo Association, The Conservancy Association, WWF – Hong Kong
3rd Runway Concerns
有關機場擴建第三條跑道
Currently Hong Kong has over 80% of the international flights out of the Pearl River Delta. With the 3rd Runway proponents hope to maintain a large share of this growing market. But with only 7% of the population and manufacturing moving ever further land inwards, how sensible is that? The economic gains benefit a few, while the rest of the community pays. It is not just the money: Air pollution, noise, loss of marine habitat, and traffic – lots of it.
現在香港肩負珠角三角洲80%的國際航班，市場不斷擴大，