The Environment & Conservation Fund Committee has granted $4.6 million to three applicants under the Pilot Scheme for Management Agreements for enhancing the ecological values of sites in Long Valley and Fung Yuen, the Environmental Protection Department says.

The first proposal will enhance the diversity of butterflies by conserving the land in Fung Yuen, a valuable habitat for them in Hong Kong. The second project will form a partnership with farmers to increase the biodiversity in Long Valley and create a better environment for bird species.

The third project will formulate an agricultural and conservation management strategy in Long Valley. The effectiveness of different agricultural practices and measures on biodiversity will be also studied.

Community involvement in conservation promoted

The projects will be launched soon with the funding approval.

The department said the scheme is an important measure under the new Nature Conservation Policy to conserve ecologically important sites under private ownership.