Conservationist Lew Young, who helped set up Hong Kong’s only Ramsar protected wetland, dies at age 60
- The chief executive of the Ramsar Regional Initiative East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership suffered a fatal heart attack during a trip to Beijing
- Young is fondly remembered for helping turn Mai Po, home to abundant endangered species, into a popular education centre
Hong Kong conservationist Lew Young, who played an instrumental role in setting up the city’s first and only Ramsar protected wetland site in Mai Po and Inner Deep Bay, died earlier this week. He was 60.
Having managed part of the wetland for 17 years, Young is fondly remembered for his efforts in fighting for stronger protections for the landmark, a home to abundant endangered species, and turning Mai Po into a popular education centre for families and students all over Hong Kong.
The conservationist suffered a fatal heart attack during a trip to Beijing on Tuesday, according to the South Korea-based based Ramsar Regional Initiative East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership, of which Young had been chief executive since last year.
“This is a tragic loss for the EAAFP. Our thoughts and condolences go to his family and friends,” the group said in a statement.
