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Protect our countryside: SPEL
Hong Kong's country parks are our valuable natural assets and require the co- operation and concerted effort of everyone in the community to conserve them and make them clean and green, the Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands (SPEL), Mr Bowen Leung, said today (Sunday).
Speaking at the launching ceremony of the Clean and Green Scheme 1995-96 held at the Sai Kung East Country Park, Mr Leung said the Government has attached great emphasis in protecting these precious natural resources.
"Country parks have become a major source of recreation and relaxation for our community. Over 10 million visitors visit and enjoy these parks every year," he said.
He pointed out that through many years of education and publicity, the number of hill fires had now been contained to a low figure, from 208 hill fires 10 years ago to 96 in 1994-95.
Mr Leung added that litter was unhygienic and degraded our country parks, and some 3,500 tonnes of litter were left in country parks by visitors last year.
"Collection and disposal of dispersed litter in the vast country parks require enormous manpower resources which could otherwise be deployed for better uses such as developing new country park facilities. It would make a great difference if all country park visitors are more considerate and show care for our countryside environment," he said.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the acting Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, Mr Michael Lee, said the Clean and Green Scheme was initiated by the Agriculture and Fisheries Department in 1982 and had since become a popular annual
event.
"Its aim is to get the public involved in keeping the country parks clean and green. Last year, the scheme attracted about 18,000 participants and was sponsored by Lions Clubs International District 303. I am glad that Lions Clubs have again kindly agreed to sponsor this year's scheme," Mr Lee said.
He added that the scheme this year would last from December to April next year. It comprises four major clean and green activities which will be open to the public.