Drain work poses threat to HK's biodiversity

I refer to the drainage improvement projects in the northern New Territories and its potential involvement of Lin Ma Hang stream. The stream ecosystem is vital to what remains of Hong Kong's biodiversity, with both vertebrate and invertebrate species relying upon it. The University of Hong Kong found that Lin Ma Hang stream had the richest diversity of lowland freshwater fish in the SAR as well as supporting barking deer and fish-eating bat populations. In light of the much publicised turtle rescue, in which Hong Kong played a major role, I would have thought the preservation of these ecosystems was a priority.

The Government should think carefully before embarking on this project. In an atmosphere where southern China is modernising at a high environmental cost, Hong Kong should be proud of what it has already achieved but also recognise what it still has to lose.

CHRISTOPHER LLOYD

Institute of Zoology

London Zoo, UK