Mai Po - The Ramsar Wetland
The wetlands around the Mai Po Marshes and Inner Deep Bay in the northwestern corner of Hong Kong, have been known as a haven for migratory birds and visitor birds for many decades. Especially when the gei wai(a pond with a controlled in/outlet)is drained, the areas of shallow water or exposed mud on the pond land would provide feeding and roosting habitats for birds, particularly herons, egrets and the endangered Black-faced Spoonbill.

Not until 1976, Mai Po was recognized as a valuable area for studying birds and eco-system including mangroves and tidy living organisms. It became a protected area , when it was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

In 1984, WWF Hong Kong began to take over the place for conservation of the area and environmental education.

In 1995, 1,500 ha of wetlands around Mai Po and Inner Deep Bay were formally designated a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.