Mai Po Nature Reserve Wins Global Gold Star Award for Excellence in Wetland Conservation (只有英文版)

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, 27 July 2025 - Mai Po Nature Reserve was honoured today as one of only three Gold Star Wetland Centres worldwide at the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands COP15 in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The prestigious Star Wetland Centre Award—the only global accreditation for wetland education and visitor centres—recognises Mai Po’s leadership in conservation, education, and sustainable community partnerships. 

The award was received by Christine Colvin, Water Policy Lead of WWF International, representing WWF-Hong Kong, alongside Simon Chan, Assistant Director (Conservation) at Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.

Christine Colvin remarked: 
“This prestigious recognition affirms Mai Po's global significance in wetland conservation and education. It demonstrates the commitment to work with governments in valuing wetlands through prioritization, dedication, and innovation. Over four decades, Mai Po has been transformed from a landscape of traditional tidal shrimp ponds into a living classroom where education, research, and conservation seamlessly integrate. As one of only three Gold Star sites worldwide, this honour validates the holistic approach—balancing ecosystem protection with community engagement.”

Simon Chan remarked: 
“This Gold Star Award is a testament to the collective dedication of many individuals and partners who have made Mai Po Nature Reserve a beacon of wetland conservation and education. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering commitment of our staff, the enduring partnership with WWF-Hong Kong—our co-manager of Mai Po since the 1980s—and the vital support of the government through subventions that enable WWF-Hong Kong to deliver impactful education programmes. Together with our local communities and volunteers, we have nurtured a shared vision: connecting people to nature through education, inspiring wonder, and fostering the next generation of conservation stewards.” 

Selected from among 16 global winners, Mai Po was praised for its cutting-edge education programmes, scientific monitoring, and collaboration with diverse stakeholders, setting a benchmark for harmonising conservation, urban development, and sustainable aquaculture. Since the awards launched in 2022, only 39 centres worldwide have earned this distinction.