Conflicts in the management of a wetland nature reserve - Case study of the Mai Po Nature Reserve, Hong Kong

Objectives are set in the management of any nature reserve and at times, apparent conflicts may arise where the achievement of one objective may impact on another objective. For example, whilst mudflats and coastal mangroves are important conservation habitats, the spread of mangroves over the mudflats may have to be controlled in order to maintain the area of the two habitats in balance. The reasoning behind such apparent conflicts have to be carefully explained to visitors otherwise, they will depart with a negative impression of the reserve. Therefore, education and public awareness about the management of the reserve is just as important as maintaining the ecological and cultural values of the site itself. This chapter uses the Mai Po Nature Reserve (MPNR), Hong Kong SAR to describes some of the apparent conflicts that may arise in the management of a wetland nature reserve.