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"As at September 1995, the Environment and Conservation Fund has allocated $16 million to various district organisations to conduct 84 community educational and research programmes.
"The first environmental protection resources centre run by district organisations will be set up in Tsuen Wan by the end of this year," Mrs Chan said.
"Over the past 20 years, the Government has designated over 40,000 hectares of land as 21 country parks and 14 special areas, representing 40 per cent of the total land area in Hong Kong.
"We will continue with our efforts in that respect by expanding the country parks and special areas and by improving their management.'
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Mrs Chan said she was impressed by the achievements made by the Wan Chai District in promoting environmental protection and improvement.
Since the Green Wan Chai Project started in 1989, almost 700 trees have been planted on pavement, central road dividers and road sides in the district.
"I hope the efforts made by Wan Chai in this respect will set and example for other districts," she said.
Other guests attending the ceremony included the Director of Ilome Affairs, Mrs Shelley Lau; Chairlady of Wan Chai District Board, Mrs Peggy Lam; District Officer (Wan Chai), Mrs Karen Pong and Chairman of the Environmental Improvement Committee of the Wan Chai District Board, Mr Wong Hon-ching.
Mrs Chan planted a three-metre Khaya Mahogany on the pavement outside Lockhart Road Playground at today's ceremony.
End