Habitat and Biodiversity Conservation Scheme in Sha Lo Tung

Challenges and Objectives

Sha Lo Tung is an upland valley in Tai Po, Hong Kong. It is a site of some of Hong Kong’s most extensive freshwater wetlands and is one of the most important dragonfly breeding and nursery grounds in Hong Kong. It is recognised as a “Site of Special Scientific Interest” and is also rich in cultural value with Hakka settlements. However, many villagers moved out in the 1970s, abandoning the farmland. In the 1980s, developers had started to buy land in Sha Lo Tung, planning to build a golf course and residential development in the area. Strongly opposed by environmental groups, the plan was halted. In 2004, the government launched the “New Nature Conservation Policy” and listed Sha Lo Tung among the 12 priority conservation sites, but the ecology of Sha Lo Tung had still been subjected to multiple disturbances. In 2017, the government decided to conserve Sha Lo Tung on a long-term basis through non-in-situ land exchange with the Sha Lo Tung Development Company.

To expedite the ecological recovery of Sha Lo Tung, the government’s Environment and Conservation Fund (ECF) approved the nature conservation management agreement project “Habitat and Biodiversity Conservation Scheme in Sha Lo Tung 2018-2020” proposed by Green Power, a local environmental organisation. The project aims to protect Sha Lo Tung’s habitats and natural landscape through habitat restoration and active management. Since 2020, the Countryside Conservation Funding Scheme (CCFS) of the government has provided support for Green Power to continue and step up its conservation efforts in Sha Lo Tung.

Collaboration Partners and Roles

The management agreement project “Habitat and Biodiversity Conservation Scheme in Sha Lo Tung” was initiated and executed by Green Power. The government’s funding schemes ECF and CCFS provided financial support for the project.

Green Power has been engaging villagers to revitalise local farming. An important collaborator in this aspect is Sha Lo Tung Greenfield, a social enterprise set up by the local villagers to conserve the Sha Lo Tung and facilitate the development of the Sha Lo Tung into a sustainable community. Sha Lo Tung Greenfield has been highly involved in rebuilding agriculture in Sha Lo Tung.

Volunteers are recruited to help with the farming work. Students from tertiary institutions are recruited to assist in conducting dragonfly surveys and updating the dragonfly inventory of Sha Lo Tung.

Revitalisation Activities

Wetlands have been restored through the revival of historic irrigation systems, sustainable resource use, and management. Sustainable resource use and management has been promoted with a more stringent control against illegal poaching, vehicle intrusion and hill fire caused by men.

Farming rehabilitation has been carried out. Various new crops (such as corns, cucumber, and loofah) have been planted using organic and AI technology in precise farming with the adoption of sustainable resources harvested onsite (such as rainwater and electricity generated by solar panels).

Green Power recruited students from tertiary institutions as “Dragonfly Surveyors” to help update the dragonfly inventory of Sha Lo Tung, for evaluating the progress of habitat succession and rehabilitation.

Green Power has been offering guided tours for schools, organisations, and corporations to learn about the ecology and culture of Sha Lo Tung.

Revitalisation Outcome

The revitalisation outcomes in Sha Lo Tung have mainly focused on environmental benefits, including a higher level of biodiversity and the protection of wetlands and species from human interference.

The “Dragonfly Surveyor” training program for tertiary school students has empowered youth by providing them with ecological survey skills.

Sha Lo Tung Greenfield has created job opportunities for villagers and preserved village homes and culture.

The return of old villagers, and connection between them and outside experts on sustainable farming practices enhance their community bonding and bring benefits to the wider society.