The Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People’s Republic of China recently announced the fourth batch of the list of China’s Beautiful Bays. Hong Kong’s Dapeng Bay was selected as an Outstanding Case of Beautiful Bays with an excellent comprehensive score. This marks the first time that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has received this recognition, which underscores the HKSAR Government’s efforts in marine ecological and environmental protection, and also represents a significant achievement for the HKSAR Government in jointly developing the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area into a world-class beautiful bay area.
Located in the northeastern waters of Hong Kong, Dapeng Bay boasts a picturesque scenery featuring clear waters and clean beaches, flocks of fish and gulls soaring and gathering, as well as a harmonious coexistence between humans and the sea. The compliance rate of all its water quality indicators has reached 100%, meeting the Grade I national marine water quality standard. The diverse ecological environment of the bay serves as a vital habitat for various national key protected wild animals, including stony corals, seahorses, horseshoe crabs (Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda) and white-bellied sea eagles.
Within the scope of Dapeng Bay lie the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, Yan Chau Tong and Tung Ping Chau Marine Park, enabling the public to closely admire the rich and diverse ecology and geological wonders of the bay and experience the harmonious coexistence of humans and the ocean firsthand.
A total of 72 applications were received nationwide for this selection campaign, with 32 bays being rated as Beautiful Bays. Among them, 12 bays — including Hong Kong’s Dapeng Bay — were chosen as Outstanding Cases of Beautiful Bays.
Taking this opportunity, the HKSAR will share its experience in advancing the development of beautiful bays with coastal cities in the mainland, and jointly promote marine ecological and environmental protection as well as sustainable development.
