ENG-1976 — Page 275

THE ENVIRONMENT

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rise from sea-level to two and three thousand feet and feature rocky crags, wooded ravines with rushing streams, and open hillsides. Some 20 freshwater reservoirs of various sizes nestle among the hills, giving additional charm to the scenery.

About three quarters of Hong Kong's land area is covered with hills and the vegetation on them includes grass, scrub, and some 10,000 acres of woodland-much of it the result of afforestation programmes. The woodlands not only beautify the countryside but are also important in the management of water catchments.

The Country Parks Ordinance which came into effect in early 1976 gave a fresh impetus to a four-year-old programme to develop the recreational potential of the countryside. The new legislation provides for the designation, control and manage- ment of the most important areas of the countryside as country parks, and it enables their development for recreation and tourism purposes. It also gives particular protec- tion to the vegetation and wildlife within the areas.

Under the ordinance, the Director of Agriculture and Fisheries is the Country Parks Authority. He is advised by the Country Parks Board, which is also responsible for hearing any objections made by the general public-especially when these relate to land matters. Formal designation of the first park is expected to be completed early in 1977.

The Agriculture and Fisheries Department has long been responsible for con- servation and forestry work and for relatively intensive management of areas of countryside. Since 1972 it has been carrying out a programme to improve footpaths and provide picnic and barbecue places, shelters, information and education services, and other facilities. Road access to the countryside is also being improved so that management services can more effectively deal with fire and litter-the most serious problems created by visitors.

The department is also responsible for fire protection, landscape rehabilitation, and the protection of flora and fauna. The Forests and Countryside Ordinance provides for the general protection and management of the vegetation, and special protection is given to certain plants-including native camellias, magnolias, orchids, azaleas, and the Chinese New Year Flower.

The greater part of the countryside is subject to some form of prohibition regarding bird and wild mammal hunting and the carrying of firearms. Overall enforcement of the legislation is carried out by four full-time game wardens supported by 222 other government officials, who have powers of game wardens in addition to their normal duties, and by 31 honorary game wardens. Also, all Justices of the Peace and police officers have the statutory powers of game wardens.

Aside from general conservation of the countryside, Hong Kong has now adopted the concept of identifying and conserving sites which are of special interest to the ecologist-such as a site where there is a rare tree or where a rare species of butterfly can be found. Some 11 have been identified for future conservation action.

Topography and Geology

Hong Kong lies on the edge of an eroded mountain chain which extends along the south coast of China, and is largely composed of folded and metamorphosed