But as we turn our attention to the Inner Deep Bay area, we must sound a note of prudence: not all nature is created equal and not all landscapes are suited for unfettered footfall.

Mai Po and the Inner Deep Bay are not merely another scenic getaway. They are a wetland of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention. This is not a bureaucratic label; the Ramsar designation is a global recognition of an ecosystem with a distinct conservation function. While country parks were often established for recreation, Mai Po is a reserve.

Its primary objective is, and must remain, biodiversity conservation, particularly for migratory waterbirds. Its secondary, but equally vital, objective is environmental education: to foster public understanding and support for wetland conservation through responsible, low-impact access. In this sense, Mai Po and a country park serve different purposes; like apples and oranges, difficult to compare directly. This leads us to the core question: what are the risks and benefits of promoting tourism here?

First, let us address a misconception. The proposed relaxation of the Closed Area status does not automatically throw open the gates of the Mai Po nature reserve. The reserve is protected as a restricted area under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance. Access is, and will continue to be, controlled by a permit system managed by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. This legal protection is our first and most important line of defence.