Long Valley Nature Park Opens: A New Hub for Conservation and Eco-Friendly Farming

2024-11-09 16:30 Last Updated At：16:38

Opening ceremony of Long Valley Nature Park held today

The Long Valley Nature Park (LVNP), designed and constructed by the Civil Engineering and Development Department and managed by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, was officially opened today (November 9) for public visits.

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Opening ceremony of Long Valley Nature Park held today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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Opening ceremony of Long Valley Nature Park held today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The LVNP integrates wetland conservation, eco-friendly farming, and nature education. Covering an area of approximately 37 hectares, the LVNP adopts an open design divided into three management zones, namely the Biodiversity Zone for core conservation, the Agriculture Zone for eco-friendly farming, and the Visitor Zone equipped with facilities for visitors and educational activities.

Officiating guests at the opening ceremony included the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan; the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn; the Chairman of the Legislative Council Panel on Environmental Affairs, Mr Lau Kwok-fan; the Director of Civil Engineering and Development, Mr Michael Fong; and the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Mickey Lai.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Tse stated that the establishment of the LVNP for active conservation of Long Valley by the Government represents a breakthrough. By proactively restoring abandoned farmlands and some dry farmlands into various wetland habitats, including wet farmlands, a water flea pond, shallow ponds and marshes, as well as constructing irrigation channels to nurture various wildlife and facilitate eco-friendly farming practices, the LVNP not only better conserves Long Valley but also achieves the complementary objectives of ecological conservation and agriculture. Since construction began in 2019, the LVNP has achieved encouraging conservation results. Over the past three years, the numbers of critically endangered Yellow-breasted Bunting (Emberiza aureola), nests of Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus), and endangered Black-faced spoonbill (Platalea minor) have all increased severalfold.

Ms Linn said in her speech that there are urban development as well as important culture and ecological environments in the Northern Metropolis. The LVNP possesses high ecological value and has effectively enhanced the wetland habitats. The necessary supporting infrastructure and visitor facilities have also been built, demonstrating the Government's commitment to feature "Urban-Rural Integration and Co-existence of Development and Conservation" in the development of the Northern Metropolis.

The Opening Fun Day will be held at the LVNP today and tomorrow, featuring in-depth tours, a farmers' market, game booths, art and crafts workshops, and music performances. Free shuttle bus services between Fanling MTR Station and the LVNP will be provided. Admission is free, and the public is welcome to join. For details, please visit the LVNP's website (www.lvnp.gov.hk).

Hong Kong Delegation Engages in COP29 Discussions on Climate Change and Green Finance in Azerbaijan.

2024-11-13 10:00 Last Updated At：10:08

SEE begins visit to Azerbaijan

The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, joined the Chinese delegationto attend the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Azerbaijan.

Upon his arrival in Azerbaijan on November 11 (Azerbaijan time), Mr Tse, together with the Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Financial Services), Ms Salina Yan, met with the Financial Services Development Council and Friends of the Earth (HK) to learn about the outcomes of the side event jointly organised by the two organisations at the China Pavilion in the venue of the COP29 on the same day. They also discussed issues including green finance, green transformation of economies and international carbon market.

Mr Tse and Ms Yan met with the head of the Chinese delegation, Mr Zhao Yingmin, yesterday morning (November 12, Azerbaijan time) to exchange views on the progress of the COP29, the international carbon market, and the Hong KongSpecial Administrative Region Government's work in combating climate change.

Afterwards, Mr Tse held a bilateral meeting with representatives of Bangkok, a member city of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, to share the strategies and experiences of the two cities in combating climate change and to exchange views on co-operation and exchanges between the two places.

In the afternoon, Mr Tse visited the Garadagh (Area 60) Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant to learn about the strategy and progress of energy transition as well as the latest development of and experience in renewable energy in Azerbaijan.

The Environment and Ecology Bureau and the Hong Kong Observatory will hold a side event titled "Climate Action: From Climate Science to Opportunities to Develop New Energy" at the China Pavilion in today (November 13, Azerbaijan time) afternoon. Mr Tse will attend the side event and deliver an opening speech.

Long Valley Nature Park Opens: A New Hub for Conservation and Eco-Friendly Farming

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