Letters | Can’t Hong Kong solve housing problems without putting endangered species at risk?

Normalising apartment blocks in the buffer areas of conservation sites, despite the likely harm caused to animal species, sends out the wrong message

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An activist protests near fish ponds in Fung Lok Wai against plans to build housing on the edge of Hong Kong Wetland Park in October 2011. The Buildings Department in 2019 approved 19 new residential towers in Fung Lok Wai. Photo: K.Y. Cheng

Published: 8:00am, 26 Apr 2019Updated: 8:00am, 26 Apr 2019

I am writing in response to the report, “Green groups and academics outraged over new housing project near Hong Kong Wetland Park, calling it a ‘bad precedent’” (April 22). It is indeed sad that the government has chosen to approve the building project rather than protecting wildlife and endangered species like the migratory black-faced spoonbill, for whom it is a favourite wintering spot.

The building project might seem to be a win-win situation for Hong Kong, given its housing crisis and apparent shortage of land, but I’m not sure the local fauna would agree.

The residential areas must include the building of roads where vehicles would pass by. Air pollution and noise pollution will be caused, all affecting the natural habitats of so many species in the Wetland Park.

Although the housing problem is serious in Hong Kong and everyone wants to solve it as soon as possible, the government should never ignore the importance of protecting and coexisting with nature. We humans have already done a lot to harm many animals’ habitats. Are we to now put endangered animals at further risk?