THE ENVIRONMENT
Flora
Situated near the northern limit of the distribution of tropical Asian flora, Hong Kong has an abundant variety of plant life. It is estimated that there are about 2 600 species of vascular plants, both native and introduced.
Before the introduction of conservation measures, the hillsides were becoming in- creasingly bare of trees as a result of cutting, burning and exposure to the elements. On most, the only cover was coarse grass or scrub. Now, many slopes, especially those in the water-gathering grounds, have been planted with trees of both local and exotic species. These woodlands and other areas of countryside are protected. In addition to making the countryside more beautiful, woodlands are important in the management of water catchments and in providing recreational opportunities for the public.
Remnants of the original forest cover, either scrub forest or well-developed woodlands, are still found in steep ravines. They have survived the destructive influences of man through their location in precipitous topography and the moist winter micro-climate.
Countryside Conservation and Management
The Agriculture and Fisheries Department is the principal government agency responsible for the conservation and management of Hong Kong's countryside. The Forests and Countryside Ordinance provides for the general protection of vegetation, and special protection is given to certain plants, including native Camellias, Magnolias, Orchids, Azaleas and the Chinese New Year Flower.
The Wild Animals Protection Ordinance prohibits hunting wild animals and restricts the entry of unauthorised members of the public into important wildlife habitats, the Mai Po Marshes and the Yim Tso Ha Egretry.
The Country Parks Ordinance provides for the designation, control and management of the most important areas of countryside as country parks and special areas, and enables them to be developed for recreational, conservation and educational purposes. It gives particular protection to vegetation and wildlife. There are now 21 country parks and 14 special areas, covering over 40 per cent of the land area in the territory.
Overall enforcement of the ordinances is carried out by nature wardens and park wardens. These officers also provide information at visitor centres and escort groups on guided visits. In addition to general conservation of the countryside, Hong Kong has adopted the concept of identifying and conserving sites of special scientific interest, such as a site where a rare tree or a rare species of butterfly can be found. Fifty sites have so far been identified.
Meteorological Services
Royal Observatory
The Royal Observatory was established in 1883, mainly to provide scientific information for the safe navigation of ships. In the ensuing century, the observatory has evolved in line with the changing needs of the community. It now provides meteorological and geophysical information, issues forecasts, warnings and weather advice to meet the diverse requirements of the public, shipping, aviation, industry, fishing, recreation, offshore oil prospecting and other special users.
The observatory conducts studies and provides services in the fields of hydro- meteorology, climatology, astronomy, physical oceanography, applied meteorology, and
345