Hong Kong and Shanghai Sign MOU to Boost Migratory Waterbird Conservation as Sister Wetlands.

Mai Po Inner Deep Bay in Hong Kong and Chongming Dongtan National Nature Reserve in Shanghai established as sister wetlands

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the conservation of migratory waterbirds signed between the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and the Shanghai Municipal Forestry Bureau came into effect on December 9. The MOU marks the official establishment of the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site in Hong Kong and the Chongming Dongtan National Nature Reserve in Shanghai as sister wetlands under the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership Flyway Site Network.

Both the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site and the Chongming Dongtan National Nature Reserve are wetlands of international importance designated under the Convention on Wetlands. Located within the East Asian–Australasian Flyway (EAAF), the two wetlands serve as critical feeding and roosting habitats for waterbirds migrating along this flyway each year.

The MOU was signed by the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Mickey Lai, and Deputy Director of Shanghai Municipal Forestry Bureau Ms Xiong Jian and witnessed by representatives from the National Forestry and Grassland Administration (NFGA) and the Shanghai Municipal People's Government.

The Deputy Director-General of the NFGA Mr Li Yunqing stated the Shanghai Dongtan and Hong Kong Mai Po, both located at critical nodes along the EAAF, have long served as vital ecological stopovers and energy replenishment stations. The successful union of the two protected areas as sister sites is a practical action by Shanghai and Hong Kong in actively fulfilling international environmental conventions and deeply engaging in terms of global ecological governance. This collaboration sets a good example for co-operative conservation efforts across the entire flyway.

Deputy Secretary-General of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government Mr Wang Wei-ren said that the partnership between these two major protected areas as sister sites is a practical step in deepening co-operation between Shanghai and Hong Kong in the field of ecological and environmental protection. Both sides look forward to using this platform to more effectively address common challenges in migratory bird conservation, enhance the integrity and connectivity of wetland ecosystems, and jointly protect this precious lifeline.

Mr Lai pointed out through the MOU, both Shanghai and Hong Kong will leverage their respective strengths, actively strengthen exchanges on wetland conservation, promote the core concept of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, and jointly contribute to ecological conservation efforts at the national and global levels.

Areas of co-operation between the two sides include key fields such as migratory waterbird research, co-ordinated habitat management, and public awareness and education.

Mai Po Inner Deep Bay in Hong Kong and Chongming Dongtan National Nature Reserve in Shanghai established as sister wetlands Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Mai Po Inner Deep Bay in Hong Kong and Chongming Dongtan National Nature Reserve in Shanghai established as sister wetlands Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Mai Po Inner Deep Bay in Hong Kong and Chongming Dongtan National Nature Reserve in Shanghai established as sister wetlands Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Mai Po Inner Deep Bay in Hong Kong and Chongming Dongtan National Nature Reserve in Shanghai established as sister wetlands Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKSAR Government releases Infrastructure Bond Report 2025

The Government released today (December 12) the Infrastructure Bond Report 2025, which sets out the allocation of the proceeds raised from infrastructure bond issuances. Since the establishment of the infrastructure bond programme, the Government has issued infrastructure bonds totaling around HK$105.2 billion equivalent (up to March 31, 2025), with an aim of leveraging market capital to support infrastructure works projects and fostering the development of the bond market.

The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said, "The Infrastructure Bond Report 2025 provides comprehensive information on the allocation of proceeds raised from the Infrastructure Bond Programme. The funds raised are credited to the Capital Works Reserve Fund for investment in infrastructure projects, such as accelerating the development of the Northern Metropolis, to facilitate the early completion of projects for the good of the economy and people's livelihood, thereby enhancing Hong Kong's competitiveness. Infrastructure bonds also provide a safe and reliable investment option with steady returns for the public, as well as a greater 'sense of participation' and 'sense of gain' in support of infrastructure projects for Hong Kong's long-term development."

The proceeds raised by the Government through issuances of infrastructure bonds have been fully allocated or earmarked for infrastructure projects, including 10 major infrastructure projects in the Northern Metropolis, such as San Tin Technopole (including the Loop), Kwu Tung North/Fanling North New Development Area (NDA), Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen NDA and Yuen Long South NDA.

The Infrastructure Bond Report 2025 has been uploaded to the Government Bonds website atwww.hkgb.gov.hk/en/infrastructurebond/infrastructurebondreport.html.

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