The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, today (July 28) attended the 2026 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meeting on Forestry (FTMM) in Shenzhen. Under the theme "Building a Green Asia-Pacific, Sharing Ecological Well-being", the meeting focused discussions on topics including forest conservation and sustainable management, conservation and restoration of mangroves and other ecosystems, and the advancement of environmentally friendly urban development in the Asia-Pacific region.
 
     Speaking at the meeting, Mr Tse said that Hong Kong, although highly urbanised, has rich natural ecology. After sustained afforestation and enrichment projects, Hong Kong's woodlands and plantations coverage has leaped from 17 per cent at the turn of the century to 30 per cent today. Hong Kong is also endowed with rich biodiversity, with over 580 species of birds and over 6 000 marine species, with stony coral species surpassing the coral diversity in the Caribbean Sea, and over 3 100 species of vascular plants.
 
     Mr Tse said that the biodiversity Hong Kong has preserved is a result of the Government's policies and plans. At present, around 40 per cent of Hong Kong's land area is designated as country parks and special areas, nurturing diverse flora and fauna. Mr Tse pointed out that before carrying out any major development that might significantly affect woodlands, thorough statutory environmental impact assessments must be implemented to avoid or mitigate impacts on the environment. This can also preserve green spaces so that future generations can continue to enjoy the precious gifts from nature.
 
     Mr Tse highlighted the Robin's Nest Country Park, which was established in 2024 with an area of about 530 hectares and is characterised by its rich floral and faunal diversity, including various species of conservation interest, as an example. The abandoned lead mine in the park is one of the most important bat colonies in Hong Kong. Regarding mangrove conservation, one of the meeting's focuses, Mr Tse said the mangrove stands and wetland habitats located in the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay were designated in 1995 as a wetland of international importance and a Ramsar Site. From the 1980s to 2026, the mangrove coverage at the site has expanded over threefold to over 400 hectares through natural regeneration. Each year, the site supports over 50 000 wintering and migratory waterbirds, including the Black-faced Spoonbill and other threatened species.
 
     In addition, Mr Tse said that the Long Valley Nature Park, established by restoring abandoned farmlands, provides a large piece of freshwater wetland for water birds, amphibians and reptiles. Hong Kong is also developing the Sam Po Shue Wetland Conservation Park, spanning over 300 hectares, in the Northern Metropolis. Mr Tse said Hong Kong fully commits to nature conservation and will continue to achieve harmony between humanity and nature together with other APEC members.
 
     The FTMM, one of the APEC "China Year" series of activities, marked the return of APEC's ecological meeting to China after 15 years. The FTMM brought together high-level representatives, experts and scholars from 21 APEC economies and the organisation.
 
     Mr Tse returned to Hong Kong after attending the meeting.

Ends/Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Issued at HKT 17:38

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