“Hong Kong Fishpond Conservation Scheme”

In 2012, the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society funded by Environment and Conservation Fund to start Hong Kong Fishpond Conservation Scheme in north-west New Territories. In collaboration with local fish farmers, fishpond habitat management was implemented in more than 600 ha of fishponds in order to enhance the ecological value of the fishponds and maintain their attractiveness to wildlife, in particular waterbirds, by providing feeding ground and roosting site.

Fishponds have high ecological value due to its high biodiversity. It is also breeding ground and roosting site for amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and insects such as dragonflies, fireflies etc. The Management Agreement aims to enable all, including human, birds and other living organisms, to meet their needs and attain a state of equilibrium.

The Management Agreement has been implemented since 2012. A new project “eco-fish” was introduced into the scheme during project period 2017-2019. The project aims to rear pond fish with environmental friendly practice and promote to the public, raising their awareness of and demand for local pond fish. Ecological baseline surveys, promotion and educational activities are organized. More art activities are organized to increase the varieties of activities and enhance public awareness and participation in fishpond and wetland conservation.

Origin – the New Nature Conservation Policy

A “New Nature Conservation Policy” was announced by the Hong Kong Government in November 2004. Twelve sites for priority conservation were identified and two modes of management: Management Agreement and Public-Private Partnership were proposed to involve non-profit-making organizations and the private sector in the effort of conservation. Two of the priority conservation sites: “Ramsar Sites” and “Deep Bay Wetland outside Ramsar Site” are the core conservation area of the Hong Kong Fishpond Conservation Scheme.

For details of the New Nature Conservation Policy, please refer to the website of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department:
http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/conservation/con_nncp/con_nncp.html

Source: Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department