SPEAK UP FOR THE ENVIRONMENT!
Hong Kong`s environmental petition platform
Target: 2500
We support the planning application Y/I-NEL/1 that suggests rezoning part of Central Waters under Lantau Tomorrow Vision into an area for “Other Specified Uses” annotated “Reserved for General Marine Functions Uses” where reclamation is prohibited. We urge for your support to this planning application and to conserve the marine environment.
Currently that part of the Central Waters was zoned as “Container Terminal”, “Container Back-up Area” and “Open Space” [Ref.1]. Yet the reclamation proposal for the container terminal has not been pursued. Rezoning this site as “Other Specified Uses” annotated “Reserved for General Marine Functions Uses” is to protect the marine environment from potential damages, development projects or reclamation, and also to enhance sustainability of local industry especially the fisheries and leisure businesses.
An ecological survey highlighted the significance of biodiversity in the Central Waters and the surrounding islands [Ref. 2]. Both of the terrestrial and marine environment nurture species with high conservation value hence they are vulnerable to reclamation or development projects.
A member of civil society has made an application to the Town Planning Board for the rezonation of the Central Waters under Lantau Tomorrow Vision (LTV) into a site with “Other Specified Uses” annotated “Reserved for General Marine Functions Uses” (Y/I-NEL/1) to protect the ocean from reclamation.
Drive Positive Change
The proposed area in this planning application overlaps with part of artificial islands under LTV where vast reclamation would be conducted. In light of marine conservation the local NGO suggests the conversion of a site reserved for general marine functions use. Currently this area is assigned to be “Container Terminal”, “Container Back-up Area” and “Open Space” [Ref.1]. The reclamation proposal for a container terminal in the Central Waters had not been pursued and should not be resumed.
Comply with the Convention on Biological Diversity
The Central Waters have significant biodiversity and nurture species with high conservation value [Ref. 2]. They are the habitats for coral communities and some rare species living on the seafloor including sea pens and spotted seahorses. White-bellied Sea Eagle, a national second-class protected species (according to China’s environmental protection laws), is found inhabiting the surrounding islands. The endangered Bogadek’s Burrowing Lizard is endemic to Sunshine island. Rezoning this site will avoid irreversible environmental damage created by reclamation. This application aligns with the Aichi Biodiversity Target No. 5 & 11 under Convention on Biological Diversity of the United Nations which aims at reducing the stress of natural habitats under urban development and protecting the coastal and marine regions.
“Reserved for General Marine Functions Uses”
The planning application also intends to preserve the basic function of the marine environment for public use including vessel traffic services, operation of pleasure vessel, fishery, leisure activities and scientific research for its ecosystems and wildlife. These activities shall be banned in the proposed area: reclamation; any developments that damage or permanently change the current landscape of seabed; and exploitation of marine resources including digging.
One Man One Letter
We urge your support for this planning application to facilitate the establishment of a marine region as “Other Specified Uses” annotated “Reserved for General Marine Functions Uses” by sending your comments to the Town Planning Board via this petition.
Protect our Ocean! No Reclamation! Sign now and submit your feedbacks.
[Ref. 1] HKGov. (2005). Draft North-East Lantau Outline Zoning Plan approved (S/I-NEL/12). Press Releases.
[Ref. 2] WWF Hong Kong. (2020). East Lantau Reclamation. New Deal for Nature and People. Oceans. [English only]
守護大嶼聯盟於2014年初成立，將持續向公眾闡述有關大嶼山發展的真象，並透過不同的行動，反對政府在大嶼山的發展計劃。
Save Lantau Alliance was established in early 2014. The aim of Save Lantau Alliance is to conserve the environment and facilitate effective management and land planning in Lantau. It reveals the underlying truth of urban development plans for Lantau Island and take actions to oppose.
http://www.savelantau.org/
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Protect our Ocean! No Reclamation!
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Protect our Ocean! No Reclamation!
Ask your friends and family to support on social media and via email.
Every signature matters!
