ENG-2005 — Page 493

Recreation, Sport and the Arts | 427

The HKYHA currently has seven hostels, all located in scenic rural parts of Hong Kong. To cope with the increasing number of hostellers from China and other Asian countries, the facilities and the standard of service in these hostels are constantly being upgraded and improved.

Furthermore, internship training is also available in the association's hostels for university students undertaking studies in tourism and the leisure industry. The association supports a variety of educational programmes promoting healthy, outdoor activities and environmental conservation under the direction of a team of dedicated executive board members, staff and volunteers.

Country and Marine Parks

Some 38 per cent of Hong Kong's total land area has been designated as country parks and special areas for the purpose of nature conservation, outdoor recreation and nature education. The 23 country parks and 17 special areas provide extensive hiking trails, barbecue, picnic and camp sites and visitor centres which attracted over 12 million visitors in 2005.

There are four marine parks and one marine reserve for the conservation of marine life. In these marine parks, visitors may appreciate and receive educational information on the beauty and diversity of marine life in Hong Kong. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department manages the country parks, special areas, the marine parks and the marine reserve.

Green Promotion/Initiatives

Green Hong Kong Campaign

Various community and educational activities were organised in 2005 to enhance public awareness of the importance of 'greening' the environment. These included the Green Volunteer Scheme, Community Planting Day, Greening Hong Kong Activities Subsidy Scheme, theme flower shows and greening promotional talks. The Greening School Subsidy Scheme to promote greening initiatives attracted 740 schools and kindergartens and 40 schools took part in the 'School Planting Plot in Park' scheme and made arrangements for some of their students to try gardening under the guidance of their teachers and LCSD staff. A total of 350 000 students from 1 000 schools participated in the 'One Person, One Flower' programme in which French marigold seedlings were distributed to students for growing at home or in schools. The Community Garden Programme was extended to all 18 districts in 2005 to enable the public to participate in greening activities in their own neighbourhood.

Hong Kong Flower Show

The Hong Kong Flower Show is a major event organised by the LCSD to promote horticulture and an awareness of the need for a green environment. Every year, it provides a good opportunity for hundreds of thousands of local citizens and horticulture lovers all over the world to appreciate the beauty of flowers and share. their experiences in flower cultivation. Participants in the show range from local, Mainland and overseas horticultural associations and floral art clubs to green groups,