Environmental organizations in Hong Kong have raised concerns about the city leader’s defense of a planned technology hub in the New Territories, fearing it misleads the public into believing that abandoned fish ponds set for clearance lack ecological value. The Chief Executive’s call for the San Tin Technopole project to move forward, despite government advisors conditionally approving an environmental impact assessment, has drawn criticism from green groups.
The government-appointed Advisory Council on the Environment has endorsed the environmental impact assessment report for the San Tin Technopole project, with eight conditions. The project aims to create a technology hub near the border with mainland China, but has faced objections from conservation groups. The council’s approval comes despite concerns raised by green groups regarding the accuracy of the assessment and the potential impact on fish ponds and wetlands in the area. The Civil Engineering and Development Department is required to submit a habitat creation and management plan outlining mitigation measures before filling 90 hectares of fish ponds. Other conditions include the establishment of an environment committee and the filing of a detailed design of wildlife corridors.
