Ecological Studies for Priority Sites and Other Ecologically Important Sites on Lantau
The Sustainable Lantau Blueprint (the Blueprint) states that the predominant part of Lantau, particularly in the South, would be earmarked for conservation, with sustainable leisure and recreation uses. To facilitate the implementation of conservation initiatives for Lantau and meet the conservation objectives of the Blueprint, it is imperative to first conduct Ecological Studies to gather baseline ecological information and recognise the current ecological status of Lantau. The Ecological Studies aim to review and assess the ecological value of various sites on Lantau and their major threats, and recommend feasible conservation measures to restore, strengthen and enhance the ecological resources therein.
The Ecological Studies cover a total of 19 sites of ecological importance outside Country Parks on Lantau, and are conducted in three batches according to their priorities. The first and second batch studies were completed in 2022 and 2023, respectively. The Executive Summary of the studies are available on CEDD website for public viewing. The third batch study is planned to commence in early 2025.
| First batch study |
"Ecological Study for Pui O, Shui Hau, Tai O and Neighbouring Areas – Feasibility Study" Study areas: https://www.cedd.gov.hk/eng/media-corner/project-reports/index-id-23.html |
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| Second batch study |
"Ecological Surveys and Studies for San Tau to Sham Wat, Yi O and Shap Long – Feasibility Study" Study areas: https://www.cedd.gov.hk/eng/media-corner/project-reports/index-id-27.html |
| Third batch study |
"Ecological Study for 12 Sites on Lantau – Feasibility Study" Study areas: |
Ecological Study on Birds in Shui Hau
"Ecological Study for Pui O, Shui Hau, Tai O and Neighbouring Areas – Feasibility Study" recognised Shui Hau Priority Site to be potentially important to birds, especially waterbirds and shorebirds. We, therefore, conducted a further ecology survey and study between 2020 and 2022, targeting birds in Shui Hau. The study aims to supplement with more comprehensive baseline ecological information and understand the ecological relationship between different habitats and bird species, in order to substantiate the importance of sandflat and the adjoining wetlands to birds in Shui Hau and provide references for formulating targeted and appropriate conservation measures for Shui Hau Priority Site.
Ecological Monitoring
Ecosystems are constantly changing in response to factors such as anthropogenic disturbances and climate change. Therefore, there is a need to conduct long-term monitoring to continuously review the ecological condition and habitat quality, detect any adverse changes in advance and evaluate the effectiveness of conservation measures. Our ecological monitoring mainly covers several sites of ecological importance outside Country Parks, as well as Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Ecologically Important Streams on Lantau. Apart from specific localities, we also monitor some species of special conservation value and their habitats, such as horseshoe crabs, ardeid night roost and migratory waterbirds, to assist in formulating necessary conservation measures.