The Mai Po Nature Reserve has long served as an irreplaceable sanctuary for both local resident wildlife and diverse migratory species. By actively recreating rice paddy fields, a historically rich yet scarce wetland habitat and cultural landscape in Hong Kong, we have significantly expanded the reserve's ability to support biodiversity. Now entering its final year, the three-year Lee Hysan Foundation 'Growing Mai Po' project, supported by Lee Hysan Foundation as Strategic Partner and Sponsor, continues to yield impressive results, enhancing local conservation while deploying innovative solutions to address today’s climate challenges.

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Feathered Visitors in the Paddies

Throughout the project, 66 bird species have been recorded visiting the rice fields, including globally critically endangered Yellow-breasted Bunting. The revitalised paddies are teeming hubs of life across every season, even while lying fallow. Species such as the Oriental Pratincole specifically seek out these wide, open habitats, using the exposed mud and muddy bunds to rest, forage for abundant insects, and hide from potential predators. Their plumage blends so seamlessly into the yellow earth that they remain virtually invisible to the untrained eye. Following the pratincoles, several Black-winged Stilts were spotted building nests and laying eggs in the newly transplanted paddies this spring, demonstrating the immediate ecological value of these rejuvenated wetlands.  

A Black-winged Stilt is incubating eggs in its nest.

Smart Hydrology Against Extreme Weather

Maintaining these sensitive wetland habitats requires effective water management, particularly during Hong Kong's unpredictable summer monsoon.  Despite experiencing several heavy rainstorms, the rice paddies have thrived thanks to proactive preparation and smart technology. A climate-adaptive hydrology system including three sets of smart water pumps was installed at the rice paddies, enabling precise, automated control of freshwater pond water levels to replace manual water exchanges. During severe rain events in this summer, the system demonstrated reliable performances:  the pumps can operated continuously for 16 hours under the Amber Rainstorm Signal to mitigate flooding, and can reduce the impact of Black Rainstorm Signal for at least 2 hours, giving our team critical time to monitor conditions closely and coordinate on-site protective measures for the rice seedlings.

After clearing weeds to ensure healthy growth, we plough the soil into a smooth, muddy consistency.

Our staff adds lime to neutralise the soil of the paddy field, setting the foundation for a stronger rice crop ahead.

A Feast for Autumn Travellers

Preparation for the project's final rice batch began in June, with rice planting process now well underway. The paddies are expected to fully ripen by November, coinciding perfectly with the arrival of migratory, rice-paddy-dependent bird species. This timing ensures the birds are provided with essential food and shelter. For these long-distance migrants, rice paddies serve as vital stopovers to refuel and replenish energy. We look forward to seeing them feasting here, storing energy, and continuing their incredible migratory journey! (The crop harvest will take place after the migratory season concludes.)

The paddies are expected to fully ripen by October, offering a timely welcome to migratory species reliant on rice paddy habitats.