|
|
Nam Sang Wai fish ponds is demarcated as Conservation Area
Nam Sang Wai fish ponds are an integral part of the wetland ecosystem in the Deep Bay area has been converted into a conservation area. The wetlands comprises mostly of a low lying alluvial flood plain that drains into the Deep Bay. The area is covered predominantly with fish ponds. The Deep Bay Area is largely rural with some farm land and about 121 hectares of fish ponds. This now forms the "conservation area zone" of the wetland ecosystem.
Fish ponds cover about 600 hectares of the wetland ecosystem in the entire Deep Bay Area. Nam Sang Wai is bounded on the east by the San Tin Highway and Castle Peak Road; on the west it is bounded by the Shan Pui River; towards the north by the Fairview Park and in the south by Shan Pui Chung Hau Tsuen and Au Tau.
Around 151 hectares of wetland area of fish ponds are marked as "Other Specified Uses" which is basically marked for "Comprehensive Development and Wetland Enhancement Area."
In the draft zoning plan approved by the Chief Executive-in-Council, the Town Planning Board says that incentives are provided for particular areas where redevelopment with conservation objectives are needed. Incentives are for a public private partnership, which can result in comprehensive development that will enhance the ecological value and functions of the ponds or wetlands.
The draft zoning plan is also facilitating residential development with a nature reserve at Lut Cahu in Mai Po.
The Fish Pond of Nam Sang Wai is marked as the zone of "Comprehensive Development and Wetland Enhancement Area 1."
"Comprehensive Development and Wetland Enhancement Area 2," is the fish ponds at Tin Fook Wai.
"Other Specified Areas" include areas near Tai Sang Wai, Man Yuen Chuen and Wing Kei Tsuen, as well as the area north of Shan Pui Road.
These total about 78.4 hectares that are demarcated for restoration of wetlands. Incentives are envisaged to encourage restoration of degraded wetlands adjoining the fish ponds through comprehensive residential or recreational development. Low Density Developmental areas are also zones that have been designated to cater for expansion of the village and even industrial expansion.
|
|
