Hong Kong’s Mirs Bay has been recognised by the Ministry of Ecology & Environment in its fourth batch of "Outstanding Examples of Beautiful Bays” in China, receiving an excellent overall score.

Announcing the inclusion today, the Environmental Protection Department said this is the first time a bay in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has received such a commendation, and that the score reflects the Hong Kong SAR Government’s efforts in marine ecological protection.

It elaborated that the listing recognises the Hong Kong SAR Government’s contributions towards establishing the Greater Bay Area as an "international, first-class beautiful bay area".

Located in the northeastern waters of Hong Kong, Mirs Bay is known for its clear water, clean beaches and thriving marine life.

Boasting 100% compliance on Water Quality Objectives, Mirs Bay achieved a Class I rating in the National Seawater Quality Standard. Its rich and diverse ecosystems are important habitats for various nationally protected species, such as hard corals, seahorses, horseshoe crabs and white-bellied sea eagles.

Encompassing the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, and the Yan Chau Tong and Tung Ping Chau Marine Parks, the bay allows the public to appreciate diverse ecological and geological wonders and to experience harmonious co-existence between humans and the sea.

Out of 72 applications received nationwide by the ministry in this round of selection, 32 bays have been designated as "Beautiful Bays" and 12 as “Outstanding Examples of Beautiful Bays”.

The department said it will share its experience of nurturing beautiful bays with coastal cities on the Chinese Mainland in order to jointly promote marine ecological protection and sustainable development.