A HK$500 million (US$64 million) eco-tourism wetland project under way at Tin Shui Wai in the New Territories will provide more ways for visitors and residents alike to enjoy and appreciate Hong Kong’s natural environment.

The 64-hectare (158.14 acre) Hong Kong Wetland Park will be approximately four times the size of Victoria Park on Hong Kong Island, reinforcing nature, culture and heritage as important aspects of tourism in Hong Kong. It is due for completion in 2005.

Assistant Commissioner for Tourism Erika Hui said the park would demonstrate the diversity of Hong Kong’s wetland ecosystem and highlight the need for conservation.

“As an attraction of international status, it will diversify the range of visitor experience to include the richness of natural and cultural heritage that is the Hong Kong wetlands.”

The park will create a green buffer between the Tin Shui Wai new town development and the nearby Mai Po Marshes, internationally renowned as a haven for migratory birds.

The project will feature artificially created fresh water marshes and mud flats, as well as different types of habitats including grassland, mixed woodland, paddy fields, fish ponds and mangrove.

Phase one of the project, including an exhibition pavilion, opened last December. Phase two will include a Visitors Centre with a full range of world-class interpretative and interactive media, a theatre, educational resource centre and an outdoor park.