Policy Address 2026: Greenpeace criticises lack of wetland protection in Northern Metropolis development plan

Greenpeace Hong Kong has harshly criticized the Northern Metropolis development plan, citing the lack of wetland conservation protections within the city's border area with mainland China. The plan, unveiled by Chief Executive John Lee during his first five-year development blueprint and annual policy address on September 16, 2026, aims to transform a 30,000-hectare swath of land into a sprawling tech hub.

However, Greenpeace contends that the ecological protection goals outlined in the plan fall significantly short of China's national standards for preserving wetlands. The organization urged the Hong Kong government to adopt stricter wetland protection targets, mirroring the 50% wetland protection rate set by neighboring Shenzhen in its latest five-year plan.

Furthermore, Greenpeace lamented the absence of measures aimed at curbing over-tourism in the city's rural regions and the lack of a timeline for transitioning to green energy sources in the development plan.