Hong Kong: reopen Mai Po Marshes Nature Reserve

Tucked away in the northwest corner of Hong Kong's New Territories, Mai Po Marshes Nature Reserve is of international significance as a stopping and feeding place for migratory birds along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.

Flyway? WWF Hong Kong

Strictly for the birds? No, not at all. Mai Po is also home to Eurasian otters, pangolins, Chinese leopard cats, the crab-eating mongoose, seven-banded civet cats, and a lot more besides. (Mudskippers. Don't forget the mudskippers.)
Managed since 1984 by WWF Hong Kong, Mai Po was accredited in 1995 as being of international importance under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. So it is no surprise that Mai Po is popular with wetlanders, ornithologists, birders, school and university field trips and nature lovers as well as assorted refugees from urban life -- not only from Hong Kong but also from the rest of the world.

Unfortunately, Mai Po has been closed (by order of Hong Kong Government) to birders and other visitors since near the beginning of this year. Why? Panic about avian flu.
Well, now it is time Hong Kong Government rescinded that closure order, and that Mai Po be permitted to re-open to the public. Why? See Dr Martin Williams' letter published in SCMP on 26 March 2006: hkoutdoors

Plus, WWFHK email campaign to re-open Mai Po: WWF News
Double plus, Don't Blame Wild Birds: The Star, Malaysia