ENG-1981 — Page 295

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THE ENVIRONMENT

powered mechanical equipment - other than for piling - during otherwise prohibited hours. In general, the issue of such permits is carried out in accordance with a non-statutory set of guiding principles which take into account the sensitivity of the area surrounding the site, the nature of the work, the type of equipment used and the times of operation. Exemptions for cases involving piling and important projects in the public interest where noise implications cannot be easily resolved require an order made by the Governor-in-Council. A liaison group comprising representatives of the government and the Building Contrac- tors' Association monitors the progress and implementation of the permitted work permit scheme. The group has also been involved in discussions on the control of daytime construction noise.

Under the Public Health and Urban Services Ordinance, the Urban Council and the Urban Services Department are the authorities for the urban areas and the New Territories respectively for the control of noise nuisance caused by air-conditioning and ventilating systems. A total of 414 complaints were received and investigated, and these led to the issue of 143 abatement notices and one prosecution.

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Conservation and Countryside Management

Hong Kong's hilly topography has ensured the 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.

About three-quarters of Hong Kong's land area consists of hills and the vegetation on them includes grass, scrub, and some 125 square kilometres of woodland - much of it the result of afforestation programmes. The woodlands not only make the countryside more beautiful but are important in the management of water catchments.

The Agriculture and Fisheries Department is the principal government agency responsi- ble for conserving the territory's countryside. The Country Parks Ordinance, which came into effect in early 1976, provides for the designation, control and management of the most important areas of countryside as country parks, and enables them to be developed for recreatioal purposes. It also gives particular protection to vegetation and wildlife. There are now 21 country parks throughout Hong Kong, covering about 40 per cent of the land area. Within these country parks, recreational amenities include picnic and barbecue places, waymarked walks, shelters, toilets, and information and educational services. Road access is also being improved to enable park staff to deal more effectively with fires and litter - the most serious problems created by visitors.

The department also has the responsibility for protecting the flora and fauna throughout the whole of Hong Kong. The Forests and Countryside Ordinance provides for the general protection and management of vegetation, and special protection is given to certain plants including native camellias, magnolias, orchids, azaleas and the Chinese New Year Flower.

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While most of the countryside has been covered by some form of prohibition on the hunting of birds, wild animals and the carrying of firearms, an amendment to the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance in 1980, provided further protection for Hong Kong's fauna by imposing a ban from January 1, 1981 on hunting by all members of the public. This ban was instituted for reasons of public safety, due to the growing popularity of the countryside for recreational purposes, and the spread of urbanisation – both leaving very few areas, if any, that are suitable for hunting.