Contents
1 Preamble
2.1 Background
3 Organisation, Management and Administration of the MECP
3.3 Goal
3.4 Management and Financing of the MECP
3.7 Review and Evaluation of the MECP
4.1 Background
4.4 Implementation and Funding
5 Summary
ANNEXES
Annex A Overview of
Marine Ecology and Fisheries Enhancement Strategy (MEFES)
Annex B Physical
Description and Marine Ecological Setting
Annex C Draft Terms
of Reference for Marine Ecology Enhancement Fund Management Committee
Annex D Potential
Initiatives and Performance Indicators under the Three Key Themes
1
Preamble
The Airport
Authority Hong Kong (“AAHK”) is responsible for operation of the Hong Kong
International Airport (HKIA). The
HKIA Master Plan 2030 (MP2030) recommended expansion of HKIA into a
three-runway system (3RS) (“the Project”) as the best
way forward to cope with the projected increase in air traffic demand and to
secure the continual growth of HKIA operation for the benefit of the economic
development of Hong Kong. This
development option for HKIA received approval in principle from the Government
of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on 20 March 2012.
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Study Report for the Project was prepared in accordance with the study brief
requirements (ESB-250/2012) issued by the Environmental Protection Department
(EPD). The EIA Report for the
Project (Register No. AEIAR-185/2014) was approved by the EPD on 7 November
2014 and the Environmental Permit (EP) (EP No. EP-489/2014)
granted on 7 November 2014.
As part of the EIA Study, AAHK has committed to formulate and implement
a Marine Ecology and Fisheries
Enhancement Strategy (MEFES).
The MEFES for the Project has been set up for the purpose of enhancing
the marine environment for the benefit of marine ecology (including Chinese
White Dolphins (CWDs)) and fisheries resources in the vicinity of the project
area, in Hong Kong western waters and further afield into the Pearl River
Estuary (PRE). It is also for the
purpose of providing support and assistance to affected fishers to promote more
sustainable fishing operations. Figure 1.1 presents a schematic overview of the
different elements of the MEFES and their proposed funding sources. Details of the MEFES are provided in Annex A.
In accordance with EP Conditions 2.8 and 2.13, AAHK will establish
independent Marine Ecology Enhancement Fund (MEEF) and Fisheries Enhancement
Fund (FEF), respectively, to fund initiatives proposed by third‐parties (eg Non‐Governmental organisations (NGOs), researchers
and the fishery sector) that support the objectives of the MEFES. A Marine Ecology Conservation Plan
(MECP) and a Fisheries Management Plan (FMP) are developed to describe the
proposed mechanism for the implementation of the MEEF and FEF as well as the
goals and themes under which funding applications can be made.
This document presents the MECP of the 3RS Project.
2
Introduction
2.1
Background
As part of the EIA Study, AAHK has committed to formulate and implement
a MEFES to contribute to enhancing
marine ecology, including the CWD, and fisheries resources in north Lantau
waters (refer to Section 13.13 of the EIA Report). Through
discussions with stakeholders and experts, AAHK identified the following key enhancement aspects for the
MEFES:
·
Enhancement of
habitats for marine ecology and fishery resources;
·
Promotion of a
sustainable fisheries industry;
·
Encouragement of
scientific research and studies; and
·
Promotion of
environmental education and eco-tourism.
Following a request for further information, supplementary
information to the EIA Study was provided to EPD to elaborate the commitments
for the MEFES that were outlined in Section 13.13 of the EIA Report (available
at http://www.epd.gov.hk/eia/register/report/eiareport/eia_2232014/further_info/pdf/Marine_Ecology_and_Fisheries_Enhancement_Plan.pdf).
The four key
enhancement aspects were presented in more detail in the supplementary
attachment, and opportunities for additional enhancement of marine habitats
during construction phase were also described.
Supplemental information was also provided to outline the public
consultation/ stakeholder engagement plan for proposed arrangements
for funding and management of the enhancement initiatives, through the
establishment of the FEF and MEEF and the associated Fund Management
Committees. Details of the mode of
operation of the Committees, as well as procedures for allocating and awarding
funding were proposed to be devised in consultation with relevant stakeholders
before commencement of construction.
Additional
detail on the design, operation and management of the MEFES and the
implementation of the FEF and MEEF was also presented in the 200th
meeting of the Advisory Council on the Environment (ACE) held on 15 September
2014 which discussed the EIA Report of the 3RS Project. ACE provided views on the EIA report to
the Director of Environmental Protection (DEP) with conditions that AAHK shall
establish independent MEEF and FEF for implementation of a MECP and a FMP. AAHK shall also set up a management
committee for each of the funds.
The Permit conditions set out in the EP ([1])
related to the submission of a MECP and the establishment of a MEEF are as
follows.
EP No.
EP-489/2014, Condition 2.8
“The Permit
Holder shall establish an independent Marine Ecology Enhancement Fund (The
Fund) which shall have substantial resources to meet its conservation
objectives in a long-term and sustainable manner. The Permit Holder shall, no later than 3
months before the commencement of reclamation related marine works of the
Project, submit 3 hard copies and 1 electronic copy of a detailed Marine
Ecology Conservation Plan (The Plan) to the Director for approval. The Plan shall be formulated for the
conservation of marine life particularly the Chinese White Dolphins (CWD)
within the Hong Kong and the Pearl River Estuary (PRE) waters. The Plan shall cover the relevant marine
parks and other important marine habitats in Hong Kong to enhance their
carrying capacity, “dolphin friendly” activities, the recovery of fisheries
resources, and scientific research for the overall benefits of marine mammals,
particularly CWD, in the PRE during the construction and the operation of the
Project. A management committee
shall also be set up for The Fund with members from different stakeholders
including relevant academics, green groups and dolphin experts for effective
implementation of The Plan.
The Permit
Holder shall consult the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation in
preparing the Plan and submit The Plan and the setup of The Fund to the ACE
[Advisory Council on the Environment] for comment prior to the submission to
the Director for approval.”
2.2
Purpose of the MECP
As stated in
the MEFES and EP Condition 2.8, the purpose of the MECP is, in essence, to
formulate a strategy for the conservation of marine life particularly the CWDs
within the Hong Kong and the PRE waters.
The MECP is intended to be applicable to the relevant existing or
planned marine parks as well as to other important marine habitats in Hong Kong
with an overarching aim of enhancing carrying capacity promoting “dolphin
friendly” activities, encouraging the recovery of fisheries resources, and
undertaking scientific research for the overall benefit of marine mammals,
particularly CWD, in the PRE during the construction and the operation of the
Project. A management committee
will also be set up for the MEEF with members from different stakeholder groups
including relevant academics, green groups and dolphin experts for effective
implementation of the MECP. By
assisting third parties through the provision of funding for education and
research to support the conservation and enhancement of the marine environment,
AAHK intends to create the necessary stimulus to bring conservation initiatives
for these important habitats and species to fruition.
This MECP outlines the proposed mechanism for the implementation, the
funding arrangements, and the setting up of a management committee for the MEEF
to manage and administer the MECP.
Some potential marine ecology conservation and enhancement example
initiatives are also included in an annex to this document to provide
assistance to the management committee in effectively implementing the MECP.
2.3
Structure of the MECP
Following
this introductory section, the remainder of this MECP is organized as follows:
· Section 3 presents the
overall goal of the MECP and the organisation, management and administration of
the MECP;
· Section 4 introduces
the goals, objectives as well as the implementation and evaluation of the key
themes under the MECP; and
· Section 5 summarizes
the overall framework of the MECP.
3
Organisation,
Management and Administration of the MECP
3.1
Geographical
Coverage
The MECP has
been formulated to contribute to the conservation and enhancement of marine
life particularly the CWDs within Hong Kong and PRE waters. The area of interest for this MECP
therefore includes marine waters and habitats in the vicinity of the 3RS land
formation area and further afield into the PRE (Figure 3.1). Specifically this includes north Lantau,
where existing and planned marine parks and other important marine habitats are
located, and west Lantau, where key habitats for CWDs are found.
It should be
noted that the initiatives and measures introduced to the marine habitats of
the area of interest could potentially introduce longer term benefits to the
marine ecology of adjacent marine waters.
Also the area of interest may extend beyond that identified above if it
is identified in the future that conservation and enhancement initiatives have
been successful in this area and other areas in the vicinity would benefit from
similar initiatives.
3.2
Over-Arching Aspects
Annex B provides a high-level
description of the physical and marine ecological characteristics of western
Hong Kong waters, in particular north and west Lantau waters. This review provides the basis for
identifying key habitats, species or ecological resources that may warrant
focused effort in conservation, enhancement and restoration under the
MECP. A summary map of the physical
and ecological setting of the 3RS project is presented in Figure 3.2. From the information presented it is
noted that there are aspects of the broader environment that provide
opportunities for enhancement or restoration (recovery) to conserve marine life
within the Hong Kong and the PRE waters.
The EP for the 3RS Project references the above in Condition 2.8 as
follows:
“The Plan shall be formulated for
the conservation of marine life particularly the Chinese White Dolphins (CWD)
within the Hong Kong and the Pearl River Estuary (PRE) waters. The Plan shall cover the relevant marine
parks and other important marine habitats in Hong Kong to enhance their
carrying capacity, “dolphin friendly” activities, the recovery of fisheries
resources, and scientific research
for the overall benefits of marine mammals, particularly CWD, in the PRE during
the construction and the operation of the Project.”
3.2.1
Enhancement of
Carrying Capacity
AAHK has
identified the potential to enhance
carrying capacity for marine ecology and fisheries resources in important
marine habitats, including the existing and planned marine parks, during
project development and operation.
A key aspect would be to investigate and implement enhancement measures
in key habitats in the north Lantau / Hong Kong / PRE waters, which are not
directly impacted by the 3RS construction and thus earlier implementation
may be possible before or during construction of the 3RS. These early measures could potentially
cover the existing Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine
Park (SCLKCMP) and the planned The Brothers Marine Park (BMP) which will both
form part of the new interconnected marine park matrix as well as key habitats
/ species not limited to seagrass beds, mud flats and horseshoe crabs.
3.2.2
“Dolphin Friendly” Activities
AAHK
strives to further contribute to territory-wide CWD conservation through additional
potential enhancement measures (i.e. “dolphin friendly” activities). It is proposed to investigate the
feasibility of implementing measures to support protection of marine habitats
and CWD hotspots. It is expected
that the “dolphin friendly” activities would allow CWDs to safely use the habitats that serve as
potential shelter areas for CWDs that may be temporarily displaced by 3RS
marine activities.
3.2.3
Recovery of Fisheries Resources
AAHK is
committed to identifying opportunities to restore the marine environment
through feasibility studies and scientific research. Also, as is common with elsewhere in
Hong Kong where the seabed has been affected by relatively intense demersal
trawling activities, restoration by means of artificial reef deployment can be
explored. Other approaches such as
restoration of degraded natural coastal habitats and transplantation or relocation
of rare or protected species are also included for consideration in this
MECP. Notably, the designation of
the 3RS Marine Park will provide a positive influence on restoration and
recovery of marine ecological resources in waters affected by the construction
of the Project.
3.2.4
Scientific Research
Scientific information on the
marine environment of the waters around the HKIA has been gathered by AAHK in
the course of the 3RS EIA Study.
Important marine habitats have been identified on which conservation efforts
could be focussed. AAHK understands
that the success of marine conservation programmes can be aided by having
objective-driven, well-executed scientific research. Also research can provide technology and
innovation that can benefit conservation programmes.
3.3
Goal
As described in Section 13.13
of the EIA report, the ultimate goal of the MEFES is to
contribute to enhancing marine ecology (including for CWDs) and fisheries
resources in north Lantau waters.
The implementation of the 3RS Project is intended to provide an
opportunity to give cumulative benefit to marine ecology in north and west Lantau waters.
3.4
Management
and Financing of the MECP
AAHK will
ensure the MECP is implemented in compliance with the requirements of Condition
2.8 of EP No. EP-489/2014 and have oversight of the
implementation of studies and projects under the key aspects and initiatives of
the plan. Specific AAHK
responsibilities for the key themes are presented below in Section 4 of this
document.
To meet the
goal and conservation objectives of the MECP in a long-term and sustainable
manner, substantial resources, both financial and manpower support are
essential. An independent MEEF,
managed by a management committee, will be established for effective
implementation of the MECP. It is
noted that the MEEF is intended to fund studies and projects that are
non-profit making in nature only.
3.4.1
Marine Ecology Enhancement Fund (MEEF)
The MEFES proposed as part of the EIA Study led to the development of a
preliminary budget estimate for the MEEF and FEF. The two Funds would be in total in the
order of HK$200 - 300 million, subject to approval from the Board of AAHK. Subsequently during the ACE discussion,
AAHK had committed a substantial sum of up to HK$150 million for each Fund, and
both Funds were initially planned to run for around 10 years, with a large
portion of the fund expected to be used for scientific research, studies and
follow-on actions/ initiatives in the initial years.
Recommendations from the ACE highlighted the need to provide sufficient
resources to sustain the marine conservation efforts of the MECP over the long
term. In response to the
recommendations, the initial plan to run the MEEF for around 10 years has been
reviewed and it is apparent that a fund that can support initiatives over the
long term would be much preferred and in line with ACE’s expectation. To achieve this it is considered that an
endowment fund arrangement whereby seed money is invested to target the
generation of investment return to meet an annual budget (“Annual Allocation”)
that is able to support the MECP in the long term. The endowment fund arrangement is
targeted to generate 4% annual return based on an optimistic forecast. In the event that the targeted
investment return is not achieved , any shortfall below the Annual Allocation
as approved by the Steering Committee is proposed to be topped up by an
additional top-up fund, which has a cap of HK$100 million in total for both
MEEF and FEF, to ensure that resources to support MECP are not compromised.
In summary, AAHK proposes the following arrangement for the MEEF:
·
A committed initial
HK$150 million allocation as an endowment fund;
·
The HK$150 million
endowment arrangement is targeted to return around HK$6 million per year, these
funds to be used to implement the MECP; and
·
Any shortfall below
the Annual Allocation is proposed to be topped up by an additional top-up fund
established for both the FEF and the MEEF, which has a cap of HK$100 million in
total.
The above fund arrangement is illustrated in Figure 3.3. The proposed arrangement provides an
initial quantification of funds committed for the sustainable and long-term
implementation of the MECP, representing AAHK’s commitment in contributing to
enhancing marine ecology (including for the CWD) in practical and effective
ways in north and west Lantau waters in the future.
Figure 3.3 Proposed
Fund Arrangement for the Marine Ecology Enhancement
Fund (MEEF)
|
|
The proposed funding application, approval and allocation mechanism will
be further developed and described in detail in the instrument constituting the
fund, and the guidance notes and application form for the fund.
3.4.2
Proposed Fund Management Structure
AAHK has put continuous effort into consulting stakeholders. Consequently, in order to formalise the process and provide a platform for dialogue AAHK will establish a management committee (MEEF-MC) to administer the MEEF for the effective implementation of the MECP. In addition, a Steering Committee is proposed to be established to provide overall directional guidance / policies for the fund operation to enable sufficient resources will remain available for the fund to meet its objectives in a long-term and sustainable manner. The MEEF-MC will approve recommended funding applications that are within the Annual Allocation. The Steering Committee will not override MEEF-MC decisions on funding application approvals within the Annual Allocation and will not undermine the role of the MEEF-MC. The management arrangement of the MEEF is illustrated in Figure 3.4.
Figure 3.4 Proposed
Management Arrangement for the Marine Ecology
Enhancement Fund Management Committee (MEEF-MC)
|
|
Marine Ecology
Enhancement Fund Management Committee (MEEF-MC)
It is
envisaged that the MEEF-MC will be composed of a diverse membership including AAHK,
relevant academics, green groups and dolphin experts. Relevant stakeholders (including
community leaders as well as people having expertise/ experience in managing
similar funds) would also be considered for appointment into the management
committee. The exact membership
will be determined subject to agreement from potential candidates. AAHK will serve (or will procure a third
party to serve) as the Secretariat for the MEEF-MC.
The remit of
the MEEF-MC will be to manage and operate the MEEF so as to ensure that funds
are granted to studies and projects relevant and appropriate to the key themes
and initiatives of the MECP. Its
primary role is to determine the criteria for the selection of initiatives to
be funded by MEEF, to make recommendations on funding applications that meet
the fund objectives and approve the applications that are within the Annual Allocation approved by the Steering
Committee. The MEEF-MC will study
the proposals and report the approved applications to the Steering Committee. If the recommended funding support
exceeded the Annual Allocation in any
particular year, the MEEF-MC will present the recommendations to the Steering
Committee for consideration and approval of the shortfall from the top-up
fund. For each approved application,
appropriate reporting on progress is required and the MEEF-MC will monitor and
review the project outcomes, including the effectiveness of the approved
applications in achieving the goals and objectives of the MEEF, so as to make necessary refinement/ adjustment to future funding focuses. The draft terms of reference for the
MEEF-MC (which will be subject to review / revision by the committee members)
has been prepared and is included in Annex C.
Steering Committee
AAHK
proposes to establish a Steering Committee to provide overall directional
guidance / policies for the operation of the MEEF to enable sufficient
resources will remain available for the fund to meet its objectives in a
long-term and sutainable manner. Its functions will include:
·
steering and reviewing the operations
of MEEF (but it will not have authority to override matters within the
exclusive power of the MEEF-MC);
·
approving the funding
budget to be allocated to the MEEF-MC;
·
overseeing the use,
allocation, and investment performance of the MEEF; and
·
reviewing the overall funding
situation including the sufficiency and sustainability of the top-up fund
arrangement.
Besides, if
the total funding amount of the applications recommended by the MEEF-MC exceeds
the Annual Allocation, the
Steering Committee may exercise its discretion to approve the recommended
application(s) for funding support by drawing the shortfall from the top-up
fund.
It is
envisaged that the Steering Committee will be chaired by the AAHK and composed
of the chairperson of the MEEF-MC, the chairperson of the FEF-MC and other
non-AAHK members nominated by reputable organisations in the environmental
management, engineering, investment, or financial areas. For clarity, there does not need to be a
member in each of the areas referred to above and the members may be nominated
by one or more reputable organisations.
The exact membership will be determined subject to agreement from
potential candidates. AAHK will
serve (or will procure a third party to serve) as the Secretariat for the
Steering Committee. It should be
noted that the Steering Committee is also proposed to provide oversight to the
FEF and FMP to be prepared under separate cover.
Appointment Procedure
The Secretariat will invite reputable
organisations in the environmental management, engineering, investment, or
financial areas to nominate person(s) having relevant professional expertise /
experience to occupy the seats of 4 member(s) of the Steering Committee.
The
Secretariat will:
·
appoint the persons nominated by the
organisation(s) as described above to be those 4 members above of the Steering
Committee upon their acceptance; and
·
appoint the person nominated by AAHK as
described above to be the Chairperson of the Steering Committee upon their
acceptance.
3.4.3
MEEF-MC Membership
It is suggested that the membership reflects
the three broad themes that will comprise the MECP. It is proposed that the committee will
comprise of 11 to 13 members (including the Chairperson), including Green Group
representative(s), Academic(s), Dolphin Expert(s), up to 2 representatives
nominated by AAHK and other Relevant Stakeholder(s). It is envisaged that AAHK will not chair
the MEEF-MC. The code of conduct
will be agreed amongst the MEEF-MC.
Green Group representative(s)
Green group representative(s) will be engaged
as the member(s) of the MEEF-MC with a suggested focus of overseeing the
sustainability of projects, especially in the Marine Education and Tourism
theme and to provide insight on the potential benefits to the communities
throughout the execution of the project.
Academic(s)
Academic(s) will be engaged as the member(s)
of the MEEF-MC with a suggested focus of overseeing the technical feasibility
of projects, especially in the Marine Conservation and Marine Research
themes. They will justify the
proposed assessment for the measurement of project performance as well as to
provide comments and advice that may enhance effectiveness of projects.
Dolphin Expert(s)
As one of the core focuses of the MECP is the
conservation of CWDs within the Hong Kong and PRE waters, Dolphin Expert(s)
will be engaged as member(s) of the MEEF-MC to provide advice and guidance on
the selection and implementation of projects that may advance scientific
understanding of CWDs in HK waters and the PRE and which may contribute to the
long-term conservation of CWDs and their habitats.
AAHK Member(s)
As the core focus areas of the MEEF-MC are
environmental enhancement and community benefit, it is suggested that there
will be up to 2 representatives nominated by AAHK on the Committee, which may
include the associated specialist / environmental consultant(s).
Relevant Stakeholder(s)
Community leader(s)
as well as people having expertise / experience in managing similar funds will
be considered for appointment into the MEEF-MC to provide advice on the fund
administration and help streamline the implementation and management of the
fund.
Appointment Procedure
The Secretariat of the MEEF-MC will compile a
list of potential candidates including, but not limited to, any member of any
consultative and advisory committee of the AFCD to be the Chairperson and
members of the MEEF-MC that satisfy the composition stated above.
The Secretariat will invite the potential
candidate(s) to be Chairperson or member(s) of the MEEF-MC.
The Secretariat will appoint the candidate(s)
to be Chairperson or member(s) of the MEEF-MC upon their acceptance. If potential candidate(s) declined the
invitation, the Secretariat will propose alternative candidate(s) to ensure
that the MEEF-MC would meet the composition requirements stated above.
Each member of the MEEF-MC will be appointed
for a fixed term of 3 years, unless otherwise agreed with that member.
3.4.4
Secretariat Structure, Role & Responsibilities
AAHK will provide secretarial services (or
will procure the provision of secretarial services by an external third party)
to the MEEF to facilitate the functions of the Steering Committee and the
MEEF-MC.
The secretariat will:
·
be responsible for the preparation of
meeting notices, agendas, meeting translation and minute taking;
·
collate progress
reports / final reports submitted by funded projects, as well as the summary of
total applications received, successful applications, ongoing projects and
completed projects in a year for review and reference by the Steering Committee
and the MEEF-MC; and
·
work with the AAHK and
the Chairperson of the MEEF-MC to ensure proper expertise is present at
relevant meetings.
3.5
Proposal Selection
It is expected that criteria for the selection of successful initiatives
for funding will be formulated and agreed by the MEEF-MC. The Steering Committee will not override
a decision of the MEEF-MC and will not undermine the role of the MEEF-MC. In general, it is anticipated proposals
will be evaluated based on the strength of their contribution to MEFES
objectives, especially the conservation goals to be discussed in Section 4, and
the overarching aspects stated in Section 3.2 in terms of providing the
outcomes that will clearly benefit habitats and species and stakeholders
(public and fishers ([2])) (Figure 3.5). It is expected that while proposals may
focus on one theme, they may be able to contribute across other themes, which
could be taken into account in evaluations.
3.6
Implementation
Plan
It is
expected that the MECP will be implemented throughout the construction and
operation phases of the 3RS Project and into the future. AAHK endeavours to implement the MECP
and approve and allocate funding to studies and projects that meet the goal and
objectives of the MECP as soon as practical subject to the timely establishment
and recommendations from the MEEF-MC.
A tentative programme for the implementation of the MECP is presented in
Table 3.1. The AAHK has been conducting
consultations with relevant stakeholders and the AFCD to formulate the
MECP. It is expected that the MECP
will be submitted to ACE for comment in Q4 2015, followed by submission to the
DEP in Q1 2016. The establishment
of MEEF and MEEF-MC will commence after the final approval by the DEP and the
fund is planned to be in place for application in Q3 2016.
Table 3.1 Tentative
Programme for the Implementation of MECP
|
Key Tasks |
Time |
|
Consultation with relevant
stakeholders and the AFCD |
2015 - Ongoing |
|
Submission of MECP to ACE for
comment |
2015 Q4 |
|
Submission of MECP to the DEP
for approval |
2016 Q1 |
|
Establishment of the MEEF and
MEEF-MC |
2016 Q2 (1) |
|
Call for funding applications |
2016 Q3 (1) |
|
Note: (1) Subject to the final
approval by the DEP. |
|
3.7
Review and
Evaluation of the MECP
In order to determine whether the
MECP is successful in achieving the goals presented in Section 3.3 it is important to implement a mechanism for reviewing
and evaluating the success of the Plan and supported initiatives. Review and evaluation mechanisms are
proposed for each of the three themes in Section
4. The MEEF-MC will monitor the performance of the funded applications so
as to make necessary refinement/ adjustment to future funding focuses.
4
Key Themes of the MECP
4.1
Background
The MECP aims to achieve its conservation goals by supporting studies
and intitiatives leading to:
·
Enhancement of
habitats for marine ecology and fishery resources;
·
Encouragement of
scientific research and studies; and
·
Promotion of
environmental education and eco-tourism.
The MECP is therefore organized into three themes, each of
which is developed further and discussed in detail below. These themes are:
·
Marine Habitat & Resource Conservation
& Enhancement Theme;
·
Scientific Research & Studies Theme; and
·
Environmental Education & Eco-tourism
Theme.
4.1.1
Marine Habitat & Resource Conservation & Enhancement
In order to compensate for the seabed habitat and open waters habitat
loss associated with the land formation for the 3RS project, the establishment
of a new Marine Park is proposed which would comprise an area of approximately
2,400 ha. It is expected that the
new Marine Park would provide critical linkages between the current SCLKCMP
(1,200 ha) and the planned BMP (850 ha).
It is important to note that the establishment of the new Marine Park is
an EIA commitment made by AAHK for the compensation of habitat loss due to the
land formation for the 3RS project and hence is not a part of the MECP. While a number of the management
measures / controls / restrictions in a marine park are the responsibility of
the Country and Marine Parks Authority (i.e. AFCD and the Country and Marine
Parks Board), certain initiatives can be undertaken
by others to enhance the marine ecology within the new Marine Park as well as
within the wider marine park matrix formed by the new Marine Park, the SCLKCMP and the planned BMP. The Marine Habitat and Resource Conservation and Enhancement Theme therefore presents opportunities for enhancing the value of the new
marine park and related initiatives may be funded under the MECP.
In addition,
initiatives to facilitate conserving or enhancing other key marine habitats /
species found in north Lantau waters can also be explored under the Marine Habitat and Resource Conservation and Enhancement Theme. Such enhancements may provide beneficial
effects on the ecology of north Lantau waters while also providing opportunity
for ecological enhancement during the construction stage of the 3RS, prior to
the new Marine Park designation.
4.1.2
Scientific Research & Studies
Scientific
information on the marine environment of western Hong Kong waters has been
gathered by AAHK in the course of undertaking the 3RS EIA. Important marine habitats have been
identified on which conservation efforts could be focussed. AAHK understands that the success of
marine conservation programmes can be aided by having objective-driven,
well-executed scientific research, and has subsequently identified a variety of
studies that could be funded as part of the MECP. Scientific research may be directed
towards:
· Providing
long-term monitoring/ in-depth understanding of marine ecology/ fisheries
resources in western Hong Kong waters as well as the wider PRE;
·
Providing accurate and timely scientific information
and advice for management of the Marine Parks and the surrounding environs;
·
Increasing our understanding of the natural
variability of the ecosystems and their response to natural or anthropogenic
disturbances;
·
Ensuring that decision making and
recommendations are supported by the most appropriate available scientific
information; and
·
The strategic and effective application of
the research findings to conservation strategies and action plans.
4.1.3
Environmental Education & Eco-tourism
The north Lantau coast and northwest Lantau waters are rich in marine ecological and fisheries resources, which has long been
recognized by the general public of Hong Kong. These include coastal habitats such as
mudflats, mangroves and seagrass habitats at Tai Ho Stream SSSI, Tung Chung
Bay, San Tau Beach SSSI and Sha Lo Wan.
These coastal habitats support abundant and diverse intertidal
assemblages and also are identified as nursery grounds for horseshoe crabs. The existing footpaths along the North
Lantau coasts enhance the public accessibility to these natural coastal
habitats and this provides good opportunities for the public to appreciate
these natural resources and raise their awareness on the importance of
conserving these valuable resources.
Besides visiting the coastal habitats, guided eco-tours for dolphin
watching are also popular tourist activities in western and northwestern Lantau
waters (e.g. Tai O).
Under the Environmental Education and Eco-tourism Theme, initiatives are
proposed to promote public awareness of natural habitat and species
conservation issues as well as to facilitate the development of eco-tourism of
coastal and CWD habitats in Hong Kong western waters.
4.2
Goals and Objectives
4.2.1
Marine Habitat & Resource Conservation & Enhancement
The main goal of the Marine Habitat and Resource Conservation and
Enhancement Theme is to enhance marine ecology within the new Marine Park, the
wider marine park matrix as well as other key habitats / species in the north
Lantau waters. In addition,
enhancement initiatives in the broader surrounds of Hong Kong and neighbouring PRE waters may also be considered.
The main
objectives of this theme are as follows:
· Support
investigation and implementation of habitat enhancement measures that will be
beneficial to the new Marine Park and its wider matrix;
· Assist
investigation and implementation of ecological enhancement measures of key
habitats / species in the north Lantau waters, which are not directly impacted
by the 3RS construction and thus earlier implementation is possible before or
during construction of the 3RS.
These early measures could potentially cover the existing SCLKCMP and
planned BMP which will form the new marine park matrix as well as key habitats
/ species including but not limited to seagrass beds, mud flats and horseshoe
crabs; and
· Assist other
enhancement initiatives in the wider marine environment in Hong Kong and
neighbouring PRE.
4.2.2
Scientific Research & Studies
The overall
goal of the Scientific Research and Studies Theme under the MECP would be to
establish the characteristics of different marine ecological resources and
their natural variability in the western waters of Hong Kong as well as the
wider PRE for CWDs. Findings would
be used to facilitate the allocation of conservation effort in order to focus
on areas / species of high ecological / conservation importance and
interest. This would allow
cost-efficient and ecologically-relevant conservation programmes to be
conducted in the future as a priority.
4.2.3
Environmental Education & Eco-tourism
The main
goal of this Environmental Education and Eco-tourism Theme is to facilitate the recreational /
eco-tourism experience of visitors to the north and northwest Lantau areas and to
provide educational opportunities to raise public awareness on natural habitat
and species conservation issues.
Specific objectives of this theme include the following:
·
To upgrade the existing facilities or provide
new facilities to enhance eco-tourism experiences in the area (e.g. provision
of interpretative signs and panels, development of mobile-friendly
applications, etc);
·
To provide education materials to the public
to promote their understanding of marine ecological resources and their
conservation values in Hong Kong;
·
To organise campaigns and education programmes
for the public on marine conservation; and
·
To provide training to eco-tourism service
providers and frontline environmental protection staff for capacity building on
implementation of conservation plan.
4.3
Potential
Initiatives
Indicative lists of example initiatives under each of the three themes
are provided in Annex D. The lists are not
considered to be definitive, but demonstrate
the range of opportunities under the MEFES for developing
a long-term understanding of the relevant key conservation aspects in Hong Kong
and the PRE. It should be noted that the actual
initiatives to be undertaken under each theme will be proposed by third-party
applicants for consideration by the MEEF-MC.
4.4
Implementation
and Funding
The initiatives of the three themes involve substantial activities that need to be
conducted during the construction and
operational phases of the 3RS development. It is expected that initiatives
submitted by third-parties will have focused implementation/work plans as
discussed with AAHK and MEEF-MC and that these would be separate activity
driven documents and therefore are not included within this MECP.
The funding applications for
each initiative will depend on project / research interest; it is not possible
to estimate funding allocation for individual initiative at this stage. Funding for initiatives will be as per
funding agreements between third-party applicants and the MEEF-MC and are also
not included in this MECP.
4.5
Roles &
Responsibility
Several entities are identified who will be integral to achieving the
overall goal of three key themes.
These entities and their roles and responsibilities are presented below.
|
The
main role of the AAHK will be: · To ensure the MECP is implemented in
compliance with the requirements of Condition 2.8 of EP No. EP-489/2014; · To coordinate with relevant authorities
on the implementation of further enhancement measures within the relevant
marine parks as well as other key habitats / species in the north Lantau /
Hong Kong / PRE waters; and · To encourage NGO(s) and researchers to
take leadership of certain initiatives and focus areas under the three themes
of the MECP. |
|
|
It is
expected that local NGO(s) may pursue certain initiatives and focus areas
under the three themes, including scientific research and education,
potentially including reporting on study progress to the MEEF-MC regularly. |
|
|
It is expected
that there may be a need to conduct specialist research, design or monitoring
studies as outlined in Annex D. The researcher will have to report on
progress of the research, design or monitoring activities and studies to the
MEEF-MC. |
|
|
The
main role of the MEEF-MC will
be to oversee the management and implementation of the MECP and to provide
peer review guidance to the progress of specialist studies / projects related
to the three themes. |
4.6
Review &
Evaluation
In order to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of supported
initiatives under the three themes a process of ongoing performance evaluation
is proposed. It is suggested that
performance evaluation shall be arranged around a group of specific high level
performance indicators. The example
performance indicators envisaged at this early stage are detailed in Annex D. The
MEEF-MC will monitor the performance of the funded applications so as to make
necessary refinement/ adjustment to future funding focuses.
It should be noted that the performance indicators will be set and
agreed between the third-party applicants and the MEEF-MC for the actual
initiatives to be undertaken under each theme.
5
Summary
This document presents details on the proposed mechanism for the
implementation, the funding arrangements, and the setting up of a management committee
for the MEEF to manage and administer the MECP. The MECP is intended to be applicable to
the relevant existing or planned marine parks as well as to other important marine habitats in Hong Kong
with an overarching aim of enhancing carrying capacity, promoting “dolphin
friendly” activities, encouraging the recovery of fisheries resources and
undertaking scientific research for the overall benefits of marine mammals,
particularly CWDs, in the PRE during the construction and the operation of the
Project. In addition, the document
contains information on the goals, management and administration of the MECP
and introduces the three themes that when implemented are expected to achieve
the stated goals. These themes are:
·
Marine Habitat & Resource Conservation
& Enhancement Theme;
·
Scientific Research & Studies Theme; and
·
Environmental Education & Eco-tourism
Theme.
To meet the conservation objectives in a long-term and sustainable
manner, it is considered that an endowment fund arrangement whereby seed money
is invested to generate an annual investment return that is able to support the
MECP in the long term. In the event
that the targeted investment return is not achieved, any shortfall below the
Annual Allocation is proposed to be topped up by an additional top-up fund to
ensure that resources to support MECP are not compromised. It is important to note that the
endowment fund with top-up fund arrangement would allow funds to be available
sustainably and AAHK will ensure the MECP is implemented in
compliance with the requirements of Condition 2.8 of EP No. EP-489/2014
and have oversight of the implementation of studies and projects under the key
aspects and initiatives of the plan.
AAHK will
establish a MEEF-MC, composing of members from AAHK, relevant academics, green
groups, dolphin experts and relevant stakeholders to administer the MEEF for
the effective implementation of the MECP and approve the applications that are
within the Annual Allocation. In addition, a Steering Committee is
proposed to be established to provide overall directional guidance / policies
for the fund operation to enable
sufficient resources will remain available for the fund to meet its objectives
in a long-term and sustainable manner.
It is planned to establish the MEEF and MEEF-MC in Q2 2016 and initiate
fund application in Q3 2016, subject to the final approval by the DEP.