Speech by SEE at 2026 APEC Ministerial Meeting on Forestry in Shenzhen
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, at the 2026 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meeting on Forestry held in Shenzhen today (July 28):
Honourable Chairman, colleagues and friends,
First of all, I would like to thank the National Forestry and Grassland Administration of China and the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government for holding this meeting and their warm hospitality.
Hong Kong, China, is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Our total land area is just about 1 100 square kilometres. The topography of the territory is hilly, with only 30 per cent of the land being flat.
Although highly urbanised, the city is actually greener and biologically more diverse than many people may think. With decades of sustained afforestation and enrichment projects, our woodlands and plantations coverage has expanded from 17 per cent at the turn of the century to 30 per cent today, actively transforming land into diverse native forest habitats.
Located in the sub-tropical region, Hong Kong, China, is endowed with rich biodiversity. We have over 580 species of birds; around 6 000 marine species, including stony coral species, which surpass the coral diversity in the Caribbean Sea; and over 3 100 species of vascular plants.
The biodiversity we have preserved is not by chance, but a result of policies and plans. The Government has established a robust legal framework to protect woodlands and trees. Today, around 40 per cent of the land has been designated as country parks and special areas. These protected areas serve as the cradle for our flora and fauna.
In addition, it is a mandate for all government projects to preserve trees and to maintain greenery. Any major development that might significantly affect woodlands must be thoroughly assessed through statutory environmental impact assessments to avoid, minimise and mitigate adverse impacts. It is imperative that we preserve these green spaces for the years ahead, so that future generations may continue to enjoy and appreciate these precious gifts from nature.
Building on this foundation, we accord high priority to natural conservation. A recent example of this commitment is the establishment of the Robin's Nest Country Park in 2024. Measuring about 530 hectares, this new country park is characterised by its rich floral and faunal diversity, including various species of conservation interest. An abandoned lead mine in the park supports one of the most important bat colonies in Hong Kong, China.
Our shorelines are also important. The blue forests, mangroves, are universally recognised as one of the most productive marine ecosystems. Hong Kong, China, is committed to the protection of mangroves. Mai Po's largest mangrove stands and wetland habitats were designated in 1995 as a wetland of international importance and a Ramsar Site.
From the 1980s to 2026, the mangrove coverage in the Ramsar Site expanded over threefold, from around 150 hectares to over 400 hectares through natural regeneration. Each winter, this critical habitat supports over 50 000 wintering and migratory waterbirds, including the flagship species - the Black-faced Spoonbill and numerous other threatened species.
Another recent example is Long Valley. We revitalised abandoned farmlands and opened the Long Valley Nature Park in 2024, providing a large piece of freshwater wetland for water birds, amphibians and reptiles, as well as other wetland animals. We are also developing the Sam Po Shue Wetland Conservation Park, spanning over 300 hectares in the Northern Metropolis.
Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong, China, fully commits to nature conservation, and will continue to make efforts, together with other APEC economies, to achieve harmony between humanity and nature.
Thank you.
The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, Photo source: reference image
Speech by SEE at 2026 APEC Ministerial Meeting on Forestry in Shenzhen Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
