Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk said the SAR would develop a new wetland park in the Northern Metropolis as part of efforts to boost ecological conservation while adding to the city's eco-tourism appeal.

His remarks came as the city launched a series of activities, including complimentary tickets to Hong Kong Wetland Park as well as guided tours, to mark the 3rd National Ecology Day on Friday.

Speaking at a ceremony at Polytechnic University, Cheuk said the city created three new parks last year: Robin's Nest Country Park in Sha Tau Kok, North Lantau Marine Park and Long Valley Nature Park in Kwu Tung North.

"Looking ahead, the government will establish the Sam Po Shue Wetland Conservation Park with a total area of over 300 hectares in the Northern Metropolis area, which will integrate wetland conservation with recreational tourism and the development of aquaculture," Cheuk said.

"It will not only enhance habitat quality and biodiversity in Deep Bay but also promote the modernisation of the aquaculture industry, while offering high-quality ecological education and leisure experiences.

"We'll continue to make good use of the city's advantage as a metropolis with its own mountains and ocean to expand eco-tourism."

Cheuk said Hong Kong has signed a memorandum of understanding with Shenzhen on a joint rescue mechanism for large aquatic wildlife.

Meanwhile, lawmaker and Hong Kong's sole delegate to the country's top legislature, Starry Lee, said new technology could boost conservation.

"We can, for example, use remote sensing and artificial intelligence to monitor real-time changes in the ocean and countryside," she said.

"The utilisation of big data analysis also enables us to manage the number of tourists in parks more scientifically, to keep a balance between environmental conservation and tourism. [And] biotech also offers us more means to restore environmental ecosystems and preserve the genes of rare species."

As part of celebrations, Hong Kong Wetland Park is offering free admission and guided tours on Friday, while some 30 non-governmental organisations are rolling out free eco-tours, night safaris and workshops to September 28.

There'll also be special discounts at government recycling stations and stores.