Ramsar Site Management Plan

How will Ramsar designation for the Deep Bay benefit the local community?

The Mai Po and Inner Deep Bay wetlands are managed by the Ramsar Management Authority, chaired by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) to ensure the wetlands are managed under the wise use principle. WWF Hong Kong has been charged with managing the core area that we possess in Mai Po.

Egrets over the Mai Po wetland

Designation of the Mai Po and Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site, in effect, provides an additional area of countryside in Hong Kong, which can be managed for education and recreation, as is being done at WWF Hong Kong's Mai Po Nature Reserve. In addition, the current land-use, e.g. fish pond farming in certain areas can be retained so that local people can continue to benefit from the area.

Ramsar designation for the Mai Po and Inner Deep Bay wetlands provides an exciting opportunity for conserving the largest remaining wetland in Hong Kong, which can be managed for the benefit of the people of Hong Kong, as an area where education, recreation, farming and conservation can be integrated.

Footnote: *Wise Use - Wise use of wetlands means their sustainable use so that they may yield the greatest continuous benefit to present generations, while maintaining their potential to meet the needs and aspirations of future generations.