- 3
An AFD spokesman said countryside visitors were most welcome to plant trees at the four designated country parks. Tree seedlings, tools and technical advice would be provided by AFD at planting sites.
Schools and organisations wishing to join the scheme are also welcome as eight other country park sites have been selected for tree plantation before the end of next month. Those interested may contact AFD's Conservation Education Unit on tel 2733- 2121 so that arrangements can be made.
The spokesman said the scheme had become increasingly popular year by year since its inception in 1957.
This year, over 5,000 trees had been planted at country parks by members of the public and community organisations since the launching of the scheme.
Tree species planted include Acacia confusa, Acacia mangium, Tristania conferta, Machilus spp. and Schima superba.
This year's "Community Tree Planting Scheme" was launched by the Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands, Mr Tony Eason, at the Sai Kung Country Park late last month.
The spokesman was confident that this year's scheme would be more successful than that of last year, which attracted more than 26,000 participants planting over 34,000 trees.
He said: "Trees can enrich our life. In the countryside, trees help prevent soil erosion, provide habitat and food for wildlife. They also constitute to biodiversity and improve the capacity of ecological environment."
On tree planting, he stressed that it was undoubtedly the best commitment the community could contribute towards nature conservation. Through active participation, the entire community can be fostered with more respect to the nature.
"Also, by taking part in the scheme, members of the community would be made more aware of trees and of the need to protect them," he added.
End/Saturday, April 8, 1995