AECOM Selected for Groundbreaking Wetland Conservation Park in Hong Kong’s Northern Metropolis

HONG KONG (January 21, 2025) – AECOM, a leader in global infrastructure, has been appointed by the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government to spearhead the Investigation Study for the Sam Po Shue Wetland Conservation Park (SPS WCP). This ambitious project will cover an impressive 348 hectares, marking the first Wetland Conservation Park to be established as part of the Wetland Conservation Parks System proposed under the Northern Metropolis Development Strategy introduced in 2021.

The SPS WCP aims not only to preserve the wetlands that are ecologically significant in the Deep Bay area, but also to bolster environmental capacity in the Northern Metropolis, facilitating a harmonious relationship between conservation and development. AECOM will provide extensive services during the investigation phase, including preliminary designs, engineering infrastructure, wetland enhancements, landscaping, environmental sustainability integration, and park management.

“This pioneering project presents a unique opportunity to enhance the ecological fabric of the Northern Metropolis,” stated Simon Wong, vice president of AECOM’s Land Supply/Municipal Division in Hong Kong. “We are tapping into our diverse expertise across various disciplines to create a nature-positive environment that exemplifies biodiversity co-existing with sustainable aquaculture.”

Learning from the successful Long Valley Nature Park, which utilizes nature-based solutions (NbS) for urban-rural integration, the SPS WCP aims to set a benchmark for sustainable development around the world. It emphasizes the Northern Metropolis's role in fostering biodiversity, eco-education, eco-recreation, and effective park management strategies.

Central to the park's mission is the promotion of ecological balance, with sustainable management practices that encourage collaboration across sectors. The project will utilize innovative digital technologies, including camera traps, bioacoustics, eDNA analyses, artificial intelligence, and Internet of Things (IoT) tools to optimize conservation outcomes.

The development will commence with restoring fishponds and protecting wetlands in the northern sector of the park, which are vital for maintaining critical bird flight paths. Once established, the SPS WCP will provide diverse habitats for migratory waterbirds, including endangered species like the Black-faced Spoonbill and notable wildlife such as the Eurasian otter.

As the first of its kind in Hong Kong, the Sam Po Shue Wetland Conservation Park has the potential to be an international model for ecological conservation and sustainable development. Prepare to witness an extraordinary transformation in Hong Kong as this vital project takes shape, promising not just a refuge for wildlife, but a community hub for eco-education and responsible recreation.

Stay tuned as we continue to follow the progress of this monumental initiative!