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    #Hashtag Hong Kong

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    主持人:Jenmon Jenkins

    Listen to #Hashtag Hong Kong every Sunday morning at 8.15

    Focussing on issues affecting civil society, we'll hear from representatives of NGOs, associations, statutory bodies, and non-profit groups.

    (Sundays 8.15am - 8.25am)



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    Michael Lau, Founder, Hong Kong Wetlands Conservation Association
    02/02/2025
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    Michael Lau, Founder, Hong Kong Wetlands Conservation Association

    This year World Wetland Day's theme is "Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future". It is crucial to recognize the vital role wetlands play. Water sustains life and wetlands make our existence on Earth possible. Moreover, they contribute to climate adaptation by absorbing and storing stormwater. They are key components of the Earth’s climate system and store more carbon than any other ecosystem.

     

    Wetlands are highly productive and biodiverse. They serve as nurseries for many fish and shellfish populations that are important for ecological balance and commercial fishery. 40% of all known plant and animal species live or breed in wetlands, including many endangered species. However, they are among the most threatened ecosystems. At least 35% of the wetlands in the world were lost since 1970 and the rate is accelerating. This has led to 25% of all wetland species facing extinction.

     

    The largest wetland system in Hong Kong is in Deep Bay in Northwest New Territories. It is part of the Pearl River estuary with Shenzhen River and Kam Tin River empty into it. It is very shallow and vast expense of mudflat is exposed during low tide. A belt of mangroves grow along its shore. When the Sung Dynasty immigrants settled in the area, they converted some of the marshland into paddy fields to grow rice.

     

    In the 1940’s, villagers started turning coastal marshes into tidal shrimp ponds called gei wais. A sea wall was established using the dug out mud. A sluice gate connecting to the sea was built. By opening it during high tide, shrimp larvae, fish fries and nutrients were flushed into the gei wai in which they grew naturally. Shrimp harvesting was conducted at night during low tide by putting a net across the opened sluice gate. Fish was caught in the winter when the gei wai was completely drained. This man-modulated tidal habitat supports many aquatic animals, water birds and the Eurasian Otter. Several new-to-science invertebrates have been recorded. The most recent discovery was a box jellyfish named in 2023.

     

    In the 1970's, many of the paddy fields and gei wais in Deep Bay were converted to fish ponds to supply freshwater fish to the growing urban population. Fish ponds are artificial system that relies on stocking of fish fries, adding feeds and aerating the water. During harvesting, the pond would be drained gradually and the small fish and shrimps in the shallow water became easy prey for water birds. However, import from mainland China has made fish farming less profitable. Many of the fish ponds are now inactive or abandoned.

     

    Over the years, the Deep Bay wetlands face many threats. In 1970's and 1980's, pig farm waste together with industrial effluents polluted the lowland rivers and Deep Bay. The water quality has laregly improved in recent years thanks to new regulations, water treatment facilities and coordination between Hong Kong and Shenzhen Governments.

     

    Urbanisation on both sides of Deep Bay has reduced the size of the wetland system. To counter that, HK Government and Green Groups have acted to conserve the remaining wetlands. A key achievement is the establishment of the Mai Po Nature Reserve in 1983 driven by WWF-Hong Kong. Together with the Shenzhen Futien National Nature Reserve, they give protection to the Bay. Mai Po and Inner Deep Bay was designated as a Ramsar Site in 1995 because of its importance to migratory waterbirds. In addition, the Hong Kong Wetland Park was opened in 2006, allowing visitors to learn about wetlands. Government also provides funding support to management agreement schemes to preserve traditional fish pond practices. 

     

    The Northern Metropolis poses a challenge to the future of the Deep Bay wetlands. Another challenge is climate change that is causing sea level rise, more intense rainstorms and stronger typhoons. These exacerbate the flooding risks of the whole area and affect the hydrology of the wetlands. Is it possible to maintain or even enhance the many values of the Deep Bay wetlands?

    The Mai Po and Deep Bay wetlands shows success in optimising the ecological, educational and fisheries values through active management. The Northern Metropolis provides an opportunity to elevate that as Government promises to conserve and manage the remaining wetlands through the new Wetland Conservation Park system.

     

    Now that the water quality in Deep Bay has improved, tidal wetlands in the form of gei wai should be restored so that the rich fisheries can be utilised. Technology should be applied so that water inside can be easily drained in advance of an incoming heavy rainstorm or tidal surge. This nature-based solution can increase the stormwater storage capacity and reduce the flooding risk to the nearby human habitation and infrastructure.

    The world is facing a double crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. The wise use of Deep Bay wetlands by our predecessors created a combination of natural and man-made biodiverse habitats that also provides food and livelihood to the people. We can make them contribute to the climate resilience of the Northern Metropolis and offer plentiful opportunitities for people to enjoy. What is needed is to see the Deep Bay wetlands as a unique asset crucial for our future.

     

    This morning I would like to dedicate a song “Sometimes when it rains” by Secret Garden to you all. I chose this song because rainfall is very important to us and also important to the wetlands. On the other hand, wetland is also important to ensure that we have plentiful and stable rainfall.

     

     

    02/02/2025 - 足本 Full (HKT 08:15 - 08:30)

    02/02/2025 - Michael Lau, Founder, Hong Kong Wetlands Conservation Association

    重溫

    CATCHUP
    12 - 02
    2024 - 2025
    香港電台第三台

    02/02/2025

    Michael Lau, Founder, Hong Kong Wetlands Conservation Association

    26/01/2025

    Steph Ng, Founder and Executive Director of Body Banter

    19/01/2025

    Jenmon Jenkins, Community Director - the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Hong Kong

    12/01/2025

    Ivy Leung, Executive Director, CarbonCare InnoLab

    05/01/2025

    Mabel Lo, Executive Director, TREATS

    29/12/2024

    Shirley Yeung, the Integrated Community Centre for Mental Wellness, ICCMW

    22/12/2024

    Gabrielle Kirstein, Founder, Feeding Hong Kong

    15/12/2024

    Cindy Ng, Senior manager, Program and Services of KELY Support Group

    08/12/2024

    Dr. Patrick Cheung, Chairperson, Against Child Abuse

    01/12/2024

    Lok Man Leung, Program Manager from Hong Kong Aids Foundation
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    Jenmon Jenkins, Community Director - the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Hong Kong

    主持人:Jenmon Jenkins

    For over 104 years, the SPCA has stood as the largest and oldest animal welfare organisation in Hong Kong. Every single day, we dedicate ourselves to ending animal cruelty, alleviating suffering, and protecting the health and well-being of all creatures—both wild and companion animals, whether they have homes or not.

    Though Hong Kong is small, its bustling population means that countless animals live among us. The last census in 2019 estimated over 400,000 pets, but more recent studies from 2023 reveal a staggering surge to over a million. These million souls are voiceless in our society, and at the SPCA, we passionately advocate for their welfare. But there are concerning trends that we must address together.

    Did you know that our animal legislation dates back to 1935? It’s time for a crucial update from the Legislative Council so we can adequately protect these vulnerable animals from abuse and neglect. We need stronger laws, like updates to the Duty of Care legislation, to empower law enforcement to prosecute those who mistreat our furry friends.

    This is why we tirelessly promote responsible pet ownership. Caring for a pet is a lifelong commitment. Unfortunately, we’ve seen a troubling rise in pet abandonment—especially among cats. In 2024 alone, we’ve witnessed an alarming 11% increase, with some days seeing up to 14 cats left behind, often entire families abandoned at streets or refuse centers.

    Too often, owners fall prey to unscrupulous breeders who care more about profit than the well-being of animals. Many pets come to us sick, sometimes with severe health issues that their new owners are unprepared to manage. This leads to heart-wrenching abandonment, further straining our resources as we care for these vulnerable creatures.

    Despite our new 93,000 sq ft center in Tsing Yi, we often find ourselves at full capacity, caring for sick animals whose recovery takes time. Every adoption creates an opportunity for another animal in need, and with over 400 animals currently in our care, your choice to adopt can save lives.

    We encourage you to “Adopt, Don’t Shop.” Our four adoption centers are open every day, with no appointment necessary. Last year, we even launched an app that lets you swipe to find your future furry companion—just like a dating app!

    As a proud mongrel owner, I can personally attest to the immense joy and well-being pets can bring into our lives. Yet, we recognise that pet ownership can be challenging in a bustling city like Hong Kong. While we celebrate the growth of pet-inclusive spaces and parks to over 200, we know there’s much more to be done.

    That’s why we’re committed to educating everyone on the importance of pet inclusivity. We’ve trained staff at banks and shopping malls to welcome our furry friends and even hosted dog-friendly movie screenings. We aim to foster understanding and respect between pet owners and non-pet owners, emphasizing safety and hygiene.

    Our workshops, like those on socializing city dogs, help ensure that everyone can enjoy public spaces harmoniously. We’ve also launched initiatives like “Bring Your Dog to Work,” encouraging companies to embrace the presence of pets in the workplace. The benefits for mental wellness and collaboration are profound, and we’re excited to help more organizations adopt these policies.

    We’re also making strides with transportation providers to allow pets on public transport, with exciting developments like affordable pet tours launched by KMB in 2024. Stay tuned for more good news in 2025!

    It’s important to note that we only receive 1% of our funding from the government. We rely heavily on the generosity of public donations and the revenue from our veterinary services to support our mission. Imagine caring for over 400 animals every day—your support truly makes a difference. You can support us by participating in our events, using our veterinary services, purchasing from our online and offline retail store or donating to us help make an impact in animal welfare.

    From the bottom of my heart, thank you to all our donors and volunteers who help us improve the welfare of our rescue animals. I look forward to meeting more prospective adopters and passionate pet owners in 2025. Together, let’s ensure that all animals are treated with the compassion and respect they so richly deserve.

     

    香港電台第三台

    19/01/2025 - 足本 Full (HKT 08:15 - 08:30)

    19/01/2025 - Jenmon Jenkins, Community Director - the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Hong Kong