BSAP & HK Biodiversity: The Way Forward

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1 Michel Roggo / WWF-Canon BSAP & HK Biodiversity: The Way Forward Dr. Michael Lau Assistant Director, Conservation 26 May 2015 Solutions for a living planet Photo: Bena Smith 1

2 Hong Kong biodiversity is of global significance Myers et al (2000) Biodiversity Hotspots for Conservation Priorities. Nature Hong Kong lies in the Indo-Burma Hotspot, one of the Biodiversity Hotspots in the world (Nature, 2000) Hong Kong is also a Key Biodiversity Area within the Hotspot, meaning it is of high conservation priority (Journal of Threatened Taxa, 2012)

3 > 1,900 species of flowering plants ~ 50 species of land mammals > 500 species of birds > 100 species of amphibians and reptiles > 260 species of butterflies > 2300 species of moths > 110 species of dragonflies Hong Kong is exceptionally rich > 85 species of reef-building corals > 320 species of reef associated fish Some species are endemic that can only be found in Hong Kong and nowhere else in the world, such as Romer s Tree Frog and Mai Po Bent-winged Firefly. Solutions for a living planet

4 Why Hong Kong has such a high biodiversity? Situated between the Oriental and Palaearctic region, i.e. have both tropical and sub-tropical species Used to cover with broadleaf forests that was part of the massive forest belt in Asia from tropical rainforests in Southeast Asia all the way north to boreal forests in Russia Situated along the East Asian and Australasian bird migratory route Solutions for a living planet

5 Why Hong Kong has such a high biodiversity? Very hilly with the highest peak at 957m Has over 100 islands, some act as refuge for relict species Western waters under the influence of Pearl River, i.e. brackish with soft sediments, supporting extensive mangroves and mudflats. Eastern waters, relatively clear with diverse corals Terrestrial habitats and species are relatively well protected in recent history Solutions for a living planet

6 Multiple values of Biodiversity Produce oxygen, clean the air and absorb carbon, regulate climate, secure clean water, provide food 20-30% of fresh water rely on rainwater collected in catchment, i.e. $1-1.6 billion In 2013, 12.7 million people visited country parks, hiking, camping, photography, field trip SARS in 2003 and financial crisis in 2008 saw a big jump in visitors number Health benefits are immense

7 Unmatched natural beauty from within or afar contributing to quality of life

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9 Key priorities from WWF Conduct Strategic Environmental Assessment to formulate regional development and conservation plans for sustainable development To establish an effective marine protected area system covering at least 10% of Hong Kong waters

10 Key priorities from WWF (cont d) Expand and enhance protection of Deep Bay wetlands by formulating a holistic plan, setting up a Steering Ctte and establishing a Wetland Trust Enhance Country Park system by incorporating under-represented important habitats (e.g. lowland rivers and marshes) and maintaining their ecological connectivity

11 Key priorities from WWF (cont d) Formulate an official List of Threatened Species using IUCN Red List criteria Formulate Species Action Plan for highly threatened species

12 Key priorities from WWF (cont d) Reduce Hong Kong Ecological Footprint and unsustainable natural resource use with focus on seafood and shark fin 3 earths are needed if everyone lived the lifestyle of Hong Kong people

13 Take part in public consultation and express your views Spread the words and get others excited The Way Forward make your views heard

14 The Way Forward raise awareness Raise awareness on HK s unique biodiversity and their value to us Get people experience nature

15 Much of the biodiversity waiting to be discovered Get people involved as citizen scientists Share the knowledge and joy The Way Forward fill knowledge gaps

16 Thank you