XN000022-1996-05-08 — Page 51

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(b)

(c)

Considerable proportions of the areas within which endangered plants and animals are found are already protected. These include the restricted areas designated under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance such as the Mai Po Marshes and Inner Deep Bay, country parks and special areas under the Country Parks Ordinance, proposed marine parks and marine reserves under the Marine Parks Ordinance and conservation areas and SSSIs in Outline Zoning Plans under the Town Planning Ordinance. Government will continue to designate more sites to protect endangered plants and animals in Hong Kong as and when the need arises.

In addition to the range of protected areas mentioned in (b) above, the Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance controls the import, export and possession of endangered species. Moreover, the following ordinances offer protection to local plants and animals:-

(i) The Forestry Regulations under the Forests and Countryside Ordinance control the selling and possession of protected plant species.

(ii)

The Wild Animals Protection Ordinance controls the hunting, the possession, selling and export of protected wild animals, or their nests and eggs.

At present, an environmental impact assessment (EIA) study is required for any major development project that is likely to have an impact on the environment. An assessment of possible impacts on plants and animals is part of such a study. When the study identifies that the proposed project may cause potential adverse impacts to the environment, mitigation measures to eliminate or minimise such impacts will be recommended. An Environmental Impact Assessment Bill to make these procedures a statutory requirement is now before the Legislative Council. The enactment of the Bill will provide added protection to the endangered species.