Environmental groups alarmed by destruction of 79 hectares of wetlands in Northern Metropolis

A study revealed that around 79 hectares of wetlands - equivalent to four Victoria Parks - have been destroyed in the Northern Metropolis region since the government announced its development plan in 2021.

The Conservancy Association and Greenpeace jointly released the alarming result on Thursday, with a particular concern that the damage to Hoo Hok Wai wetlands next to Shenzhen River has doubled to 36.9 hectares in just two and a half years.

The conclusion came about from comparing satellite pictures of the wetlands in the region to the site inspections conducted by the groups.

In late December 2023, the research team witnessed at least seven trucks entering the San Tin wetland area within an hour and were suspected of illegal pond filling or land excavation, raising concerns that the northern wetland area may face further encroachment.

Additionally, there are 587.1 hectares of wetlands under threat from the potential development plans, the environmental groups added.

The groups are urging the government to step up the establishment of the SAM Po Shue Wetland Conservation Park, and call for the formulation of clear timelines for the establishment of the other three wetland conservation parks as well as a revision of the boundaries of the San Tin Technological City to minimize the destruction of wetlands.