ENG-2001 — Page 365

THE ENVIRONMENT

scientific studies. Outdoor recreational and tourism uses are also promoted in country parks. Country parks and special areas are managed on a multi-use basis, involving protection of woodland and vegetation against fire, control of development, tree planting, litter collection, provision of educational and recreational facilities, and promoting better understanding of the countryside. Over 11 million visitors were recorded in 2001.

There are four marine parks and one marine reserve covering a total area of 2 430 hectares. They cover scenic coastal areas, seascapes and important biological habitats. Similar to country parks, marine parks are managed for the purposes of conservation, education, recreation and scientific studies. Marine reserves dedicated for conservation, education and scientific studies. Marine parks and reserves are patrolled by AFCD staff on a daily basis. Fishing in marine parks is controlled with a permit system which is confined to local villagers and bona fide fishermen while such activity is totally banned in marine reserves. Publicity and educational activities are organised for students and members of the public. A Warden Post was established in Hoi Ha Wan, providing information on marine parks to visitors. The fourth marine park, the Tung Ping Chau Marine Park, measuring 270 hectares in area, was designated in November.

Studies were conducted to assess the feasibility of certain areas for designation as country or marine parks. A draft map of the proposed Lantau North (Extension) Country Park was made available for public inspection in July. The proposed park embraces most of the mountainous and upland valleys covered with natural woodlands and unspoiled stream courses, which are of high conservation and landscape value. Covering an area of 2 360 hectares, the proposed park is expected to be designated in early 2002.

Climate

Hong Kong's climate is sub-tropical, tending towards the temperate for nearly half the year. November and December are generally regarded as the best months of the year with pleasant breezes, plenty of sunshine and comfortable temperatures.

January and February are cloudier, with occasional cold fronts bringing in cold northerly winds. Temperatures can drop below 10 degrees Celsius in urban areas. Sub-zero temperatures and frost occur on high ground and in the New Territories infrequently.

March and April can be mild and pleasant but humid. Fog and drizzle sometimes disrupt air traffic and ferry services because of reduced visibility.

The months from May to August are hot and humid with occasional showers and thunderstorms, particularly in the morning. Afternoon temperatures often exceed 31 degrees, but at night temperatures generally stay around 26 degrees.

Hong Kong is most likely to be affected by tropical cyclones in September, although tropical cyclones of varying strength are not unusual at any time between May and November. On average, about 31 tropical cyclones form over the western North Pacific and the China Seas every year, and about half of them reach typhoon strength with maximum winds of 118 kilometres per hour or more.

When a tropical cyclone is about 700 to 1 000 kilometres south-east of Hong Kong, the weather is usually fine and exceptionally hot, but isolated thunderstorms sometimes occur in the evening. If the cyclone's centre comes closer to Hong Kong,

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