THE ENVIRONMENT
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They are manned by contract labour operating under the supervision of Pollution Control Unit staff. An average of 30 tons of refuse is removed from these areas each day, of which about 80 per cent is floating timber.
Conservation
The two principal factors adversely affecting Hong Kong's flora and fauna are the widespread occurrence of bush fires and the ever-increasing numbers of people from urban areas who now visit the countryside. In comparison the damage caused by insect pests, illegal wood cutting and the unauthorised trapping of birds and wild- life is negligible.
Throughout the dry season many bush fires occur in the countryside, leading to soil erosion and to the destruction of the natural habitats of wild birds and animals. Consequently, much of the work of the Conservation and Forests Division of the Agriculture and Fisheries Department is directed towards fire prevention, fire fighting and the restoration of damage caused by hill fires. A total of 86 fires were extin- guished during the year, representing 320 acres of affected woodland and hill land, with a total of 14,500 trees and shrubs damaged or destroyed. In October, at the start of the dry season, the government sponsored a campaign to draw public attention to the dangers of fire. Although primarily for soil erosion control, tree planting is also carried out by the division for landscape improvement, and rehabilitation of landscape damaged as a result of engineering development projects. During the year, some 385,000 trees were planted for these purposes.
With the majority of Hong Kong's four million living in an urban area of less than 46 square miles, many people now flock to the countryside at weekends and on public holidays-by their very numbers threatening to destroy the very country- side which they go out to enjoy. With signs of deterioration visible everywhere, the general effect is one of steady despoliation of the dwindling natural amenities. The threat of pollution is particularly acute since many picnic sites are within catchment areas that feed reservoirs with water for domestic consumption. As an immediate step, the massive 'Keep Hong Kong Clean' campaign conducted in the autumn, has spotlighted the serious problems caused by visitors littering the countryside; at the same time strict new laws were introduced.
As a long-term measure to safeguard the countryside, two Advisory Committees for Recreational Development and Nature Conservation were created in September 1970. During the year, the committees met frequently and have each submitted detailed reports. One deals with Hong Kong Island and the other with the New Territories. One of the major proposals put forward is for a bold new concept in country park development.
The government has agreed in principle to an ambitious scheme which will initially provide four country parks of up to two square miles each. To provide easy access, the parks will form a semi-circle around the densely-populated urban areas, and by providing the amenities necessary, it is hoped that the large numbers of visitors will not only fully enjoy the surroundings but will also respect the beauty of these