ENG-2006 — Page 483

Recreation, Sport and the Arts 407

also have an opportunity to engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and other healthy pursuits.

HKYHA has been a full member of the International Youth Hostels Federation. (IYHF) for over 30 years. Maninald China, Taiwan, Singapore and some East European countries joined the federation in 2006, bringing the number of youth hostels under IYHF to more than 4 200 in 83 countries around the world.

The IYHF is a not-for-profit organisation, directed by a team of dedicated board members. It continued in 2006 to offer internship training in tourism and in the leisure industry for local and overseas university students. It also continued to support various community programmes designed to promote healthy outdoor activities, environmental conservation, self-help, team spirit and cross-cultural understanding.

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 visitors centres which attracted over 12 million visitors in 2006.

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

Green Promotion/Initiatives

Green Hong Kong Campaign

Various community and educational activities were organised in 2006 to enhance public awareness of the importance of 'greening' the environment. These activities were carried out under different names such as Green Volunteer Scheme, Community Planting Day, Greening Hong Kong Activities Subsidy Scheme, theme flower shows, Best Landscape Award for Private Property Development and promotional talks. More than 750 schools and kindergartens took part in the Greening School Subsidy Scheme formed to promote environmentally friendly initiatives. The scheme provided an opportunity for students to try their hand at gardening under the guidance of their teachers and LCSD staff. A total of 350 000 students from over 1 000 schools participated in the 'One Person, One Flower' programme. Marigold seedlings were given to students to plant at home or in their schools. The LCSD's Community Garden. Programme was carried out in all of the scheme's 18 districts, The scheme provides for one community garden to be built in each district. Forty gardening courses were conducted during the year attended by 7 000 participants.

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