(HKWP)
Management and funding
Managing the HKWP development is the responsibility of the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation (AFCD).
Founded/opened
HKWP is one of the millennium capital works projects designated by the Government of Hong Kong Special Administration Region of the People's Republic of China. The project upgraded a 64 hectare ecological mitigation area (EMA) at Tin Shui Wai, New Territories, Hong Kong, to a conservation, education and torism facility at international standard.
The HKWP project has two phases: Phase 1, comprising an exhibition pavilion and a landscaped forecourt, was opened to the public in December 2000, while Phase 2 is targeted for completion in late 2005.
Description
The Phase 1 serves as an early venue for public education on wetland conservation and publicity of the HKWP project. Its 230 square metre exhibition pavilion provides wetland exhibitions with simulation, interactive touch-screen computer devices, animal and plant models, and display panels. Regular film show on wetland conservation in Hong Kong is shown at Phase 1 venue.
In Phase 2, it will include a 10,000 square metre Visitor Centre and a 60 hectare nature reserve. The Visitor Centre will have exhibition galleries, multi-purposed theatre, souvenir shop, cafe, children's play area, classroom and resource centre. The theme of the galleries will be on biodiversity, civilisation and conservation, with gallery sizes ranging from 800 square metres to 1,200 square metres. The Wetland Reserve will include a Wetland Discovery Centre, stream walks, boardwalks, three bird hides and diverse wildlife habitats.
Key species/features
HKWP features typical Hong Kong wetlands as the Park lies adjacent to the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site. The Ramsar Site supports over 120,000 migratory birds for wintering or refuelling during their migration through Hong Kong each year.
According to the preliminary ecological monitoring programmes conducted in the HKWP site, a total of 129 bird species, 32 Odonate species, 55 butterfly species, 9 fish species, 9 amphibian species, 7 reptile species and 5 mammal species have been recorded.
General
HKWP aims at arousing the locals in wetland education and conservation through a number of formal and informal activities. For details, please refer to our website at www.afcd.gov.hk/wetlandpark
The Phase 1 exhibition pavilion serves as an early venue for wetland education and conservation and publicity of the HKWP project.
It attracts some 100,000 visitors every year since the park opened in December 2000. On average, 950 guided tours are organised every year with about 18,600 participants coming from schools and non-profit-making organisations.
Interpretation and exhibitry
HKWP Phase 1 venue is designed based on the following principles:
Integrates the Exterior and Interior Site to generate a 'seamless' treatment for the venue.
A lobby 'WOW' presentation and a high-impact show pwerfully tell the story of Hong Kong wetlands and express the mandate of the HKWP project.
The microcosm of Mai Po Ramsar Site is recreated through photographic and dioramic settings with sound and light control.
Formal (school and university) learning
Two tailor-made tours are organised free of charge for the school sector.
Wetland Tour: visit at Phase 1 venue and Tsim Bei Tsui (adjacent to the Ramsar Site) to cover topics on wetland conservation, adaptation of wetland plants and birds.
Ramsar Tour: visit at Phase 1 venue and Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site designed for Form 6-7 students studying Biology or Geography and undergraduates studying natural science. The visit provides an in-depth understanding on biology, ecology and wise use of wetlands (such as fishponds and Gei Wai).
Teacher workshop has been organised for teachers to receive both classroom and field trainings on wetland recognition and conservation. In addition, the production of Resource Kit assists them in delivering the concept of wetlands, and fits into the current school curriculum. Seminars are given occasionally upon request.
Informal (general public) learning
To reach the general public, HKWP has produced leaflet, bi-yearly newsletter and website to keep the locals informed about the activities of the Park.
The Park has organised guided tour on Sundays and public holidays at Phase 1 venue. Non-profit-making organisations can also apply for the Wetland Tour.
Annual public awareness programme is usually launched from November to March the following year, which is the ideal time for bird watching and outdoor activity in Hong Kong. The programmes launched include 'Hong Kong Wetland Ecotour' in 2002 and 'Discovering Ramsar' in 2003, whilst to celebrate World Wetlands Day, a number of celebratory activities are organised around February 2nd every year.
Since February 2002, HKWP Volunteer Scheme was first launched and has recruited over 820 volunteers and 36 volunteary groups as of May 2004.'Conservation of Wetland Starts with Me!' is the overarching slogan. Voluntary workers, divided into Eco-tour team and Outdoor Service Team, participate in a series of activities including World Wetlands Day, habitat enhancement at HKWP Phase 2 etc.
Professional
Both local and overseas environmental professionals and government officials, as well as some educators and teachers, have organised visits to the Park.
Contacts
Ms. Sunny Chow
Wetland Park Manager
T: (852) 2445 1655
F: (852) 3152 2668
E: ws_chow@afcd.gov.hk