In developing properties, SHKP also pays attention to environmental and ecological conservation, such as restoring abandoned farmland adjacent to PARK YOHO in Yuen Long into a wetland Fairyland. While the residents of PARK YOHO are taken care of by a professional property management team, the important task of caring for Fairyland falls on Sunny Chan, Conservation Officer of PARK YOHO Fairyland.

Professional Conservation Officer—Taking Care of Fairyland with Heart

Fairyland, an artificial brackish water wetland, is the habitat of many rare species in Hong Kong. Since Sunny's key role is to manage the nature conservation areas in PARK YOHO, he knows all the species there thoroughly. It was interesting to learn from him, for example, that the hotter dragonflies are, the higher they lift their tails.

Sunny remarked that the principle is to maintain the ecological balance in a natural way with minimal human interference: "For example, when pests appear, instead of eradicating them immediately, we observe them first because the pheromones released by plants can help deal with many harmful species." As nature emphasizes balance, each species will find its own ecological balance as long as an ideal environment is created.

Ensuring Fairyland Becomes an Ecological Green Area for Various Species 

Sunny explained that the busiest season is the dry season in fall and winter. As some migratory birds choose to winter in Fairyland, he has to keep a close eye on the water level in the wetland to ensure they have a suitable habitat. "As the operation of the sluice has to match the rise and fall of the tide, I am used to working late at night or early in the morning," he said, indicating his dedication to his work.

The fierce heat did not stop Sunny from working. Whenever there was a slightest movement in the grass or water, he would take photos to keep abreast of the ecological situation in Fairyland. His greatest joy comes from discovering new species in the wetland. 

Helping Residents Learn to Appreciate their 'Insect Neighbours'

The ecological value of the entire PARK YOHO is greatly enhanced by Fairyland. Various bird species can be seen nesting everywhere in the cluster, so the residents can get an up-close view of rare wildlife in the urban area. To help the residents learn about the wildlife in an interesting way, Sunny organizes various ecological educational activities: "By observing the seemingly unpleasant but actually environmentally friendly insects, many residents have greater tolerance for the insects, and even become interested in them."

Sunny is glad that he can get closer to the residents by admiring nature together. Recalling that a little boy once enthusiastically shared with him fun facts about grasshoppers and an 'Insect Tasting Report' he had done, Sunny noted that this coincidentally echoes with the recent advice by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to replace traditional meat with insects to help alleviate climate change. "I was impressed that this young boy had such vision to do things that even adults would not try. Learning can indeed be two-way when interacting with interesting residents," he smiled.