Pui O Wetland Recovers After Successful Oil Pollution Cleanup Efforts by Environmental Protection Department

Restoration of Pui O wetland ecology through effective interdepartmental collaboration

Regarding an oil pollution incident found in the Pui O wetland in September 2025, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said today (March 9) that through interdepartmental collaboration, immediate clearance actions, and smart monitoring, the environment of the Pui O wetland has already shown significant improvement earlier on. The wetland is now in good condition and the ecological environment is fully recovering.

During September last year, members of the public reported oil pollution at Pui O wetland. The EPD accorded high priority to the incident and immediately deployed staff to the site for an inspection. A small amount of an oil spill of approximately 0.02 hectares was spotted on-site. In addition to using oil absorbent pads to contain the problem immediately, EPD staff conducted follow-up investigations for more than a month and invited other government departments, including the Water Supplies Department, to assist in the clearance. The main component of the oil pollution was Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons, which are commonly found in industrial or automotive diesel. The residual amount of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons left in the natural environment after clearance will gradually decompose through microbial degradation and natural volatilisation, without causing long-term impact on the ecological environment.

Regarding the ecological environment of the site, the EPD invited the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department to conduct a joint investigation. The investigation showed that the site habitat began to gradually recover from late September 2025. Inspections by the EPD on February 5 and today (March 9) revealed that the wetland is in good condition, and the ecological environment is fully recovering (see attached photos).

In respect of this oil pollution incident, EPD staff visited the complaint site and surrounding areas such as construction sites, a car parking area and a refuse collection point, but no oil spill or pollution sources were found at the sites or in the vicinity, suggesting that this incident was an isolated event. To prevent similar incidents, the EPD has recommended the upstream premises and construction sites to remove potential pollution sources, and has installed a closed-circuit television system nearby, along with regular patrols to monitor the situation.

An EPD spokesperson stated, "The comprehensive handling of this incident fully demonstrates the efficiency of interdepartmental collaboration within the Government. The EPD will continue to combine smart monitoring with interdepartmental collaboration, striving to protect Hong Kong's natural environment and jointly safeguard the precious wetland ecosystem."

The inspection shows that the wetland is in good condition and that the ecological environment is fully recovering. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The inspection shows that the wetland is in good condition and that the ecological environment is fully recovering. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The inspection shows that the wetland is in good condition and that the ecological environment is fully recovering. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The inspection shows that the wetland is in good condition and that the ecological environment is fully recovering. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

ExCo Non-official Members congratulate successful launch of manned Shenzhou-23 spacecraft

The following is issued on behalf of the Executive Council Secretariat:

Non-official Members of the Executive Council (ExCo) today (May 24) warmly congratulate the successful launch of the Shenzhou-23 manned spaceship. They extend their highest respect to all crew members, including Dr Lai Ka-ying, the first payload expert from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

The Convenor of ExCo Non-official Members, Mrs Regina Ip, said, "This year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan. This mission is the first manned spaceflight during the 15th Five-Year Plan period and the first time a Hong Kong expert has participated, which is a truly momentous occasion. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the country for providing Hong Kong's innovation and technology talent with this invaluable opportunity to take part in the country's aerospace endeavours. Dr Lai has successfully undergone the rigorous selection and training process to become one of the country's fourth batch of astronauts, and China's fourth female astronaut to reach space, contributing Hong Kong's strength to the national aerospace endeavours. She has exemplified the Lion Rock spirit of rising to challenges with resilience and perseverance. Her courage and determination are truly admirable, and all Hong Kong citizens are immensely inspired and proud of her. The understanding and support of her family are also essential for her to participate in this mission with resolution. I am deeply grateful for their support and commitment.

"The HKSAR Government is actively developing Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology centre and supporting promising research projects through various funding schemes. As an example, the Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory (MUSICO) camera, developed under a project led by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and funded by the Government's Innovation and Technology Support Programme Special Call on Aerospace Technology, has successfully arrived at China's Tiangong Space Station, becoming Hong Kong's first scientific payload aboard the station. This fully demonstrates Hong Kong's innovation and technology edge and talent advantages."

Non-official Members of the Executive Council expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the country for its high recognition of Hong Kong's innovation and technology talent, development and achievements, as well as its profound emphasis, care and support for Hong Kong's scientific and technological development. They firmly believe that the HKSAR Government will seize this historic moment to nurture more outstanding innovation and technology talent for the country and Hong Kong, and better integrate into and serve the country's overall development.

Source: AI-found images