Edward Yiu
Conservationists have called on the government to convert Chi Fu Valley in Pokfulam into an ecological-heritage park. They said they have recently uncovered several century-old historical relics there, as well as old flora and fauna.
Tucked away in a lush green hillside in Pokfulam, Chi Fu Valley boasts extremely high historical and ecological value.
However, because part of the area has been set aside by the authorities for residential development, Yiu said he has submitted an alternative proposal to the government to address the issue.
Formerly home to a ranch operated by Dairy Farm between 1894 and 1983, the valley stayed away from the public eye until around a year ago.
Nearby residents and conservationists have blocks from old stone walls that were once part of the ranch, as well as dozens of old, valuable trees.
Several vulnerable and even endangered species, such as the Short-legged Toad and Lesser Spiny Frog, were also spotted inside the hidden gem.
Academics and conservation groups, including Friends of the Earth and Heritage Watch, are now calling on the government to convert the site into an ecological-heritage park.
Professor Edward Yiu from the Institute of Future Cities at the Chinese University of Hong Kong said the initial response from officials was positive.
However, because part of the area has been set aside by the authorities for residential development, Yiu said he has submitted an alternative proposal to the government to address the issue.
As Hong Kong is a party to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, Yiu says it was important for the Hong Kong government to draw up comprehensive policies to protect and preserve precious sites like the Chi Fu Valley.
Tucked away in a lush green hillside in Pokfulam, Chi Fu Valley boasts extremely high historical and ecological value.
However, because part of the area has been set aside by the authorities for residential development, Yiu said he has submitted an alternative proposal to the government to address the issue.
Formerly home to a ranch operated by Dairy Farm between 1894 and 1983, the valley stayed away from the public eye until around a year ago.
Nearby residents and conservationists have blocks from old stone walls that were once part of the ranch, as well as dozens of old, valuable trees.
Several vulnerable and even endangered species, such as the Short-legged Toad and Lesser Spiny Frog, were also spotted inside the hidden gem.
Academics and conservation groups, including Friends of the Earth and Heritage Watch, are now calling on the government to convert the site into an ecological-heritage park.
Professor Edward Yiu from the Institute of Future Cities at the Chinese University of Hong Kong said the initial response from officials was positive.
However, because part of the area has been set aside by the authorities for residential development, Yiu said he has submitted an alternative proposal to the government to address the issue.
As Hong Kong is a party to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, Yiu says it was important for the Hong Kong government to draw up comprehensive policies to protect and preserve precious sites like the Chi Fu Valley.
http://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1211507-20150915.htm
