For over 40 years, WWF-Hong Kong has been committed to preserving the integrity of Mai Po Nature Reserve through active daily management and public education. Over the years, we have worked to position the Reserve as a regional centre of excellence for wetland conservation, education and training. These efforts have paid off once again. On 27 July, our Ramsar-accredited wetland received another global recognition: the Gold Star Wetland Centre award from Wetland Link International (WLI), a global support network of wetland education centres.

The award is an accreditation scheme introduced in 2022 by WLI to recognise best practices in education and eco-tourism at wetlands. It is given every three years at the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Convention on Wetlands (COP). This year, Mai Po Nature Reserve won the award for its excellent education programmes, advanced monitoring efforts, and collaboration with diverse wetland stakeholders. We are honoured that Mai Po Nature Reserve joins 15 other sites around the world in this year’s award cycle. We are especially proud, as Mai Po was one of only three centres in the world to receive the Gold Star award.  

The awards ceremony took place at the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP15), held at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Christine Colvin, Water Policy Lead from WWF International, attended the celebration on our behalf, remarking that, “This prestigious recognition affirms Mai Po's global significance in wetland conservation and education. It demonstrates the commitment to work with governments in valuing wetlands through prioritization, dedication, and innovation. Over four decades, Mai Po has been transformed from a landscape of traditional tidal shrimp ponds into a living classroom where education, research, and conservation seamlessly integrate. As one of only three Gold Star sites worldwide, this honour validates the holistic approach—balancing ecosystem protection with community engagement.”  

Simon Chan, Assistant Director (Conservation) of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department who received the award on behalf of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, remarked:  

“This Gold Star Award is a testament to the collective dedication of many individuals and partners who have made Mai Po Nature Reserve a beacon of wetland conservation and education. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering commitment of our staff, the enduring partnership with WWF-Hong Kong—our co-manager of Mai Po since the 1980s—and the vital support of the government through subventions that enable WWF-Hong Kong to deliver impactful education programmes. Together with our local communities and volunteers, we have nurtured a shared vision: connecting people to nature through education, inspiring wonder, and fostering the next generation of conservation stewards.”

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