ENG-2005 — Page 357

The Environment | 307

The Forests and Countryside Ordinance provides for the general protection of vegetation and gives special protection to certain rare plants, including native camellias, magnolias, orchids, azaleas and the Chinese New Year flower.

The Wild Animals Protection Ordinance prohibits hunting and the sale or export of protected wild animals taken in Hong Kong. It also restricts entry to three important wildlife habitats that are designated as 'restricted areas' under the ordinance: the Mai Po Marshes, the Yim Tso Ha Egretry and the green turtle nesting beach at Sham Wan.

The Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance imposes controls on the import, export and possession of endangered species in order to prevent their over-exploitation.

The Country Parks Ordinance provides for the designation, control and management of the countryside as country parks and special areas for nature conservation, education and scientific research purposes. Country parks can also be designated for compatible recreation and tourism uses.

The Marine Parks Ordinance provides for the designation, protection and management of the ecologically important marine environment as marine parks and marine reserves for nature conservation, education and scientific research purposes. Recreational activities such as swimming and diving are allowed in marine parks.

Besides general conservation of the countryside, the Government has been identifying and conserving sites of special scientific interest, such as those that are. the natural habitat of rare plants or animals, through exercising strict development controls. In all, 65 sites have been listed.

The Fisheries Protection Ordinance provides for the regulation of fishing practices and the prevention of destructive fishing activities such as using explosive or toxic substances for the purpose of fishing.

Protected Areas

There are 23 country parks and 17 special areas (six of which are located outside. country parks) with a total area of 41 644 hectares (about 38 per cent of the total land area of Hong Kong). They cover scenic hills, woodlands, reservoirs, islands, indented coastlines, marshes and uplands. All are carefully protected for the purposes. of nature conservation, education and scientific studies. Management measures include protection of woodland and vegetation against fire, control of development, tree planting, litter collection, the provision of educational and recreational facilities, and the promotion of a better understanding of the countryside.

There are four marine parks and one marine reserve covering 2 430 hectares of scenic coastal areas, seascapes and important biological habitats. Marine reserves are dedicated to conservation, education and scientific studies. Fishing in marine parks is controlled through a permit system 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.