ENG-2003 — Page 355

THE ENVIRONMENT

interested in the latest water quality of bathing beaches. Details of open beaches are issued to the mass media and updated in the department's home page every week.

Government Laboratory

The Government Laboratory supports the implementation of the various environmental programmes and the enforcement of environmental protection legislation through the provision of analytical and advisory services. It analyses environmental pollutants in a wide range of samples including air, water, sediment, biota and trade effluents. On-site support is also provided round-the-clock to assist in the handling of emergencies involving chemical spills or suspected emission of noxious or irritating gases.

In 2003, the Laboratory performed a total of 274 184 tests on environmental samples, exceeding the original estimate by around 4 per cent. The increase in workload reflects the active participation of the Laboratory in various ad hoc projects. A notable one involves the study of the volatile organic compounds emitted during the refuelling process in petrol filling stations. The data generated is essential, and has to be studied before new measures can be introduced for the long-term reduction of total volatile organic emissions in the vicinity of the stations. Another project was carried out in collaboration with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University to analyse the trace organic pollutants in particulates collected in road tunnels. Results obtained will help to provide a better understanding of the air quality in tunnels that have heavy traffic.

As a continuous commitment to the marine monitoring in the area, the Laboratory works closely with the EPD and the Mainland's State Oceanic Administration (SOA). In 2003, the Laboratory participated in the method validation exercise and the annual national inter-laboratory calibration work with satisfactory results. The technical meeting held in Dalian in March provided a firm basis for future participation in the National Marine Environment Monitoring Network.

Flora

Hong Kong is near the northern limit of the distribution of tropical South-East Asian flora, sharing similar species and structure with the flora of Guangdong Province. Despite its small size, Hong Kong has a rich flora with about 3 100 species of vascular plants. Various conservation measures have transformed the formerly bare hillsides and slopes into impressive woodlands. Besides greening and beautifying the countryside, woodlands are important habitats for wildlife and are essential for protecting water catchments from soil erosion. They also provide recreational opportunities for the public.

Remnants of the original forest cover, either scrub forest or well-developed woodlands, are still found in steep ravines. They have survived destructive human influences and hill fires through their location in precipitous topography and the moist winter micro-climate.

Terrestrial Fauna

Hong Kong's climate and physical environment provides a wide range of habitats and supports a rich and varied fauna. These include about 450 species of birds, 50 species of mammals, 80 species of reptiles, 23 species of amphibians, 230 species of butterflies and 110 species of dragonflies.

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