After planning and organising the ecological pond in the western section of Avenida da Praia, Taipa, the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) adopted restricted opening of the pond for the sake of conservation. The area will now be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, so that the public can visit the area and learn about the biodiversity in the western section of the wetland.
In recent years, IAM has continuously carried out conservation of the freshwater wetlands of Macao. After considering the balance between ecological conservation and education of popular science, opening to a suitable extent is arranged so that the public can experience for themselves a green living style in harmony with nature. To make it convenient for the public to visit and learn about the biodiversity in the western section of the wetland, explanation boards have been installed in the area to introduce the basic information about the birds, insects, aquatic plants, etc. Meanwhile, the public and visitors can scan the QR codes available on the explanation boards to browse the Biological Database of Macao for detailed popular science information about the species.
The mentioned ecological pond is currently an important ecological area in the whole Wetland in Avenida da Praia, Taipa. It was a small wetland initially established with the main objective to remove the plant-killing invasive species Mikania micrantha and conserve native wetland plants such as Equisetum debile and Ampelopteris prolifera and other native animals and insects. In addition to lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) and water lily (Nymphaea tetragona), various types of aquatic plants, including Hedychium coronarium, Thalia geniculata and Acorus calamus, etc., have been planted. To promote the ecology and rich biodiversity in the area, many kinds of nectariferous plants and fruit trees, including Malvaviscus penduliflorus, Asclepias curassavica and Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, etc., have also been planted. Many animals such as egrets and forest birds, dragonflies and butterflies, etc. are attracted to the area to forage and breed.
The public and visitors can visit the Ecological Pond in the western section of Avenida da Praia, Taipa for free from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday, public holidays and compensatory rest days. IAM has continuously committed to the conservation of local biological resources. IAM urges the public to refrain from touching them while viewing the beautiful nature freely and breathing in fresh air, bring their garbage with them when they leave the area, and comply with regulations such as “General Regulations Governing Public Places”, so as to love and protect nature together. Please call the Civic Service Hotline 2833 7676 for enquiries.
