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International Recognition for the "Smart Wetland" Project's Achievements
Funded by the Countryside Conservation Funding Scheme and implemented by WWF-Hong Kong, the project "Smart Wetland – Where Traditional Management Meets Innovation & Technology" has been featured by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) on its PANORAMA platform and its publication "Solutions in Focus: Tech4Nature" as an global inspiring solution in the field of "Tech Innovation for Nature Conservation".
Implemented at the Mai Po Nature Reserve, the project involved establishment of a wireless Internet of Things (IoT) sensor network to monitor water levels, water quality, and buffalo movements continuously. To address challenges of power supply and network connectivity in remote areas, the project utilised LoRaWAN technology and leveraged the Government Wide IoT Network (GWIN) gateways set up by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, backend by 4G/5G network, to transmit sensor data to a Central Management System.
By remotely accessing real-time data, the management team is empowered to quickly respond to environmental changes and adjust strategies to enhance wetland habitats. Data analysis also enables the team to determine optimal water levels of ponds and gei wai for waterbirds, determine water exchange effectiveness, and understand the impact of buffalo grazing on vegetation management. This project not only boosts wetland management efficiency significantly but also lays a comprehensive data foundation for ecological conservation research.
The "Smart Wetland" project marks a new milestone in local habitat management, showcasing on the international stage Hong Kong's strides in leveraging innovative technologies to advance nature conservation.
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