AECOM Selected for Wetland Conservation Project

HONG KONG, Jan. 21, 2025 - AECOM, a leading global infrastructure firm, has been chosen by the Hong Kong SAR Government's Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) and Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) to spearhead the Investigation Study for the Sam Po Shue Wetland Conservation Park (SPS WCP). This ambitious project, which will span 348 hectares, marks the first wetland conservation park established under the Wetland Conservation Parks System outlined in the Northern Metropolis Development Strategy unveiled in 2021.

Objectives of the Initiative

The objective of this strategic initiative is to safeguard wetlands with significant ecological value located in the Deep Bay area while enhancing the Northern Metropolis's environmental capacity and ensuring a balance between conservation and development.

Comprehensive Services by AECOM

AECOM's comprehensive services for this vital investigation phase encompass preliminary design, engineering infrastructure, wetland enhancement, landscaping, environmental sustainability efforts, digital monitoring, and overall park management. The SPS WCP is expected to enrich the ecological quality and biodiversity of the Northern Metropolis, offering top-notch outdoor eco-education and recreation facilities to visitors. Moreover, the park will introduce sustainable aquaculture practices to support local economies and biodiversity.

Statement from AECOM's Vice President

Simon Wong, the vice president of AECOM's Land Supply/Municipal Division in Hong Kong, expressed pride in contributing to this innovative project. "We are excited to bring together our team of ecologists, scientists, engineers, and designers—along with internationally renowned consultants—to create a wetland conservation park that will transform Hong Kong’s New Territories North into a nature-positive destination. By collaborating with CEDD and AFCD, we aim to showcase the harmony between biodiversity and aquaculture, demonstrating the vast advantages that nature-based solutions (NbS) can provide.”

Building on Successful Models

Building on the successes of the Long Valley Nature Park, which utilizes NbS to promote urban-rural-nature symbiosis, the SPS WCP aspires to be an international benchmark in sustainable development. This initiative highlights the potential of the Northern Metropolis development, aimed at advancing biodiversity, aquaculture, eco-education, eco-recreation, and sustainable park management.

Role of the SPS WCP

The SPS WCP will play a crucial role in sustaining ecological balance, driven by a strategy dedicated to enhancing ecological functions and capabilities. The park promises to adopt a sustainable management framework that fosters cross-sector collaboration, maximizing conservation efforts alongside profitable aquaculture development. Moreover, innovative digital tools such as camera traps, bioacoustics, environmental DNA (e-DNA), artificial intelligence (AI), and Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring technologies will be employed to optimize project outcomes.

Significance of the Initiative

This ambitious initiative signals a significant step towards achieving a greener, more sustainable Hong Kong, blending economic growth with nature conservation. Eco-enthusiasts and conservationists alike eagerly wait to witness the transformation this Wetland Conservation Park will bring—setting new standards for urban development in harmony with nature. Stay tuned for updates on this groundbreaking project!