ENG-1977 — Page 262

THE ENVIRONMENT

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pointing to the need for further legislative controls on construction noise. In addition to the proposed introduction of further restrictions on operating hours for construc- tion equipment, the government is consulting with the building industry to establish a code of practice that will require noise reduction measures to be implemented at construction sites.

Conservation and Countryside Management

Hong Kong's hilly topography has ensured survival of a relatively large expanse of countryside, much of which is scenically very attractive. Steep and rugged slopes rise from sea-level to 600 and 900 metres 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.

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About three quarters of Hong Kong's land area is covered with hills and the vegetation on them includes grass, scrub and some 4,050 hectares of woodland much of it the result of afforestation programmes. The woodlands not only beautify the countryside but also are important in the management of water catchments.

The Country Parks Ordinance, which came into effect in early 1976, gave a fresh impetus to a five-year-old programme to develop the recreational potential of the countryside. The legislation provides for the designation, control and management of the most important areas of the countryside as country parks, and it enables them to be developed for recreational and tourism purposes. It also gives particular pro- tection to vegetation and wildlife.

During the year, five country parks and three special areas were formally designated under the Country Parks Ordinance. These included the Tai Po Kau forest plantation, the scenic countryside around the Shing Mun reservoir, the Kowloon group of reservoirs, Lion Rock, and the Tai Tam and Aberdeen reservoirs.

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

The department also is 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 on bird and wild mammal hunting and carrying firearms. Overall enforcement of the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance is carried out by eight full-time game wardens. They are supported by 331 other government officials with powers of game wardens and by 31 honorary game wardens. In addition, 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 of special interest to ecologists, such