The Environment | 305
marine ecological resources and for the enforcement of legislation on nature. conservation issues.
The Forests and Countryside Ordinance provides for the general protection of trees and vegetation. Its subsidiary Forestry Regulations control the selling and possession of certain attractive plants to deter illegal collection. These include native camellias, magnolias, orchids, azaleas and the Chinese New Year flower.
The Wild Animals Protection Ordinance prohibits the wilful disturbance, hunting, possession and sale or export of protected wild animals found in Hong Kong. It also restricts entry into three important wildlife habitats that are designated as 'restricted areas'. These are the Mai Po Marshes, the Yim Tso Ha Egretry and the Green Turtle nesting beach at Sham Wan on Lamma Island.
The Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance imposes controls on the import, export, re-export, introduction from the sea or possession of endangered species to prevent their over-exploitation.
The Country Parks Ordinance provides for the designation, control and management of country parks and special areas for nature conservation, education and scientific research purposes. Country parks may be used for compatible recreation and tourism purposes.
The Marine Parks Ordinance provides for the designation, protection and management of marine parks and marine reserves for nature conservation, education and scientific research purposes. Recreational activities such as swimming and diving are allowed in marine parks.
The Fisheries Protection Ordinance provides for the regulation of fishing practices and the prevention of destructive fishing activities such as those involving the use of explosives or toxic substances to catch fish.
The Genetically Modified Organisms (Control of Release) Ordinance controls the release into the environment, and the import and export, of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). It aims to protect the local biological diversity from possible adverse impacts arising from GMOs intended for release into the environment, which mainly involves commercial farming or field trials for scientific researches. Release of a GMO or import of a GMO that is intended for release into the environment requires prior approval from the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation. Shipments containing GMOs, when being imported or exported, have to be accompanied with prescribed documents.
Protected Areas
About 40 per cent of Hong Kong's total land area has been designated as country parks and special areas for conservation and recreation. There are 24 country parks and 22 special areas covering about 44 239 hectares of scenic hills, woodlands, reservoirs, islands, indented coastlines, marshes and uplands. All are carefully protected for nature conservation, education and scientific studies.