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MAI PO NATURE RESERVE WILL
CONTINUE TO BE CLOSED
TO VISITORS (3 MARCH, 2004)
- WWF Hong Kong has been informed by
the Environment, Transport and Works Bureau that the Government
has decided to continue with the closure of the Mai Po Nature
Reserve to members of the public.
- The general public, including those
who have already been granted valid permits to Mai Po, are
prohibited access to the restricted area of the Nature Reserve
during the period of closure.
- WWF Hong Kong considers that there
is no justification for the continued closure of the Mai Po
Nature Reserve.
- There is no evidence that wild birds
pose a threat to the health of the general public. The Government
and the University of Hong Kong have been closely monitoring
wild birds in Mai Po and the nearby wetland and collecting
faecal samples for H5 avian influenza tests since 1997. Up
to now, no abnormality has been observed. All 479 samples collected
in the area since 1 February 2004 have tested negative
for H5 avian influenza.
- WWF Hong Kong is lobbying the Government
to permit public access to the Mai Po Nature Reserve again
as soon as possible.
- The Government has an obligation, as
a signatory to the Ramsar Convention, to provide for the management
and conservation of Mai Po Nature Reserve. It has sub-contracted
the management of the Reserve to WWF Hong Kong. WWF Hong Kong
receives a subvention from the Government to cover its reserve
management costs. However, the subvention covers only approximately
half of the Reserve management expenses - the remainder has
to be raised by WWF Hong Kong from members of the public and
supporters. The closure of the Reserve has had a severe financial
impact on WWF Hong Kong's fundraising, with estimated loss
of $1 million for February and March.
- All enquiries concerning the Mai Po
public education and school visits should be directed to the
following numbers:
a. Mai Po public education visit: 2526 4473
b. Mai Po school visit : 2652 0285
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PDF document.
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