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continues to emphasise the importance of community involvement and the park's role in supporting conservation and educational initiatives in Hong Kong.

The redevelopment is expected to bring net quantifiable economic benefits of $40 billion to $48 billion over 40 years and generate 11 300 to 12 800 jobs in 2021- 22. The redevelopment plan was endorsed by the Chief Executive in Council in October and the funding arrangement was approved by Legislative Council in December. Twenty-five per cent of the project cost will be in the form of a subordinated government loan under the loan fund and 75 per cent will be commercial loans, one third of which will be guaranteed by the Government.

Work on the redevelopment, which will use an environmentally friendly design, construction and materials, will start in 2006. The park will remain open during the five to six years it will take to complete the project.

Outward Bound Hong Kong

Outward Bound Hong Kong is a registered charity established in 1970. It is a member of Outward Bound International, the world leader and originator of outdoor experiential education operating in around 50 schools in over 30 countries.

With a mission 'to help people discover and develop their potential to care for themselves, others and the world around them through challenging experiences in unfamiliar settings', Outward Bound provides training for people from all walks of life. The training aims to foster confidence, responsibility, leadership, teamwork, creative thinking, problem-solving skills and social responsibility. Outward Bound uses experiential education to deliver its training so that participants are able to gain. insights and learn skills which can be applied to work and real-life situations. Every year, more than 6 000 people join the training courses.

The three training bases at Sai Kung Tai Mong Tsai headquarters, Wong Wan Chau island base and the new ocean-going vessel Spirit of Outward Bound Hong Kong have a total capacity of 180. Training facilities such as sailing boats, kayaks, ropes course, rock wall and a jetty are regularly checked and maintained up to international standard to ensure training safety.

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Public courses are organised in and outside Hong Kong in such places as Taiwan, Japan, Sabah, the Philippines, Nepal and along the Silk Road on the Mainland - to serve people of different ages and needs. There are two courses, subsidised by the Government's Continuing Education Fund, which have the objectives of strengthening employees' capabilities and their working relationships. The courses help participants become more confident and capable of dealing with challenges at work.

In cooperation with schools, colleges, universities and various charitable organisations, Outward Bound continues to deliver school courses for students, teachers, social workers and many others. The courses aim at the all-round development of individuals into caring and competent leaders who can contribute to society.