XN000022-1972-05-11 — Page 2

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Thursday, May 11, 1972

The main activities of the Committee have been concerned with the

formulation of proposals for providing better access into the countryside

of Hong Kong Island so as to enable fuller use of the area to be made whilst

at the same time enabling better management and control of the various areas

to be exercised by the authorities to protect the countryside against vandalism.

The committee considers it essential that additional management

contres be established both to protect the countryside from fire and erosion

and to provide scavenging and general warden services.

It is proposed that these be placed under the control of the Agriculture

& Fisheries Department.

Nature Education

One proposal of the Committee is to establish a Nature Education

Trail between Tai Tam Gap and Big Wave Bay, Shck O along which special

arrangements will be made to point out interesting aspects of the natural

environment including the local geology, flora and fauna.

It is expected that this will have general appeal. The idea has yet

to be developed fully but will receive priority consideration once funds are

available.

The Committee feels unable to make any real progress on the ground until the level of funds to be made available is known.

Nevertheless it is continuing its examination of the things that can

be done once funds are available.

It is also studying management and additional legislative arrangemente which may be required together with the staff necessary to give effect to the Committee's proposals.

It is the Committee's intention to issue periodical statements of progress.

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