ENG-1974 — Page 264

THE ENVIRONMENT

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military assistance in serious bush fires. Publicity and education work is aimed at in- creasing public awareness of the proper use and care of the countryside.

Under the five-year development programme (approved in 1972) and under sub- sequent provisions, countryside management services are being steadily improved in scope. They are also being extended in areas from about 75 square miles to about twice that size. The development and operation of countryside management services is the responsibility of the Agriculture and Fisheries Department. The Director is assisted by an advisory committee on recreational development and nature conserva- tion. Its sub-committees include one dealing specifically with nature conservation, which is developing proposals for the conservation of specific areas for the preser- vation in their natural state of terrestrial and marine flora, fauna, geological and physiographical features of educational, scientific or scenic interest and value.

The greater part of the countryside is subject to some form of prohibition regard- ing bird and wild mammal hunting, and carrying firearms. Enforcement of the Wild Birds and Wild Mammals Protection Ordinance is carried out by four full-time game wardens supported by 234 other government officials, who have powers of game wardens in addition to their normal duties, and by 25 honorary game wardens. Also, all Justices of the Peace and police officers have the statutory powers of

game wardens.

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