ENG-2008 — Page 349

The Environment | 281

Objectives and developing a long-term air quality management strategy to help protect the health of the public from the effects of air pollution. The review is expected to be completed in 2009.

The Council has invited six rounds of applications from organisations and individuals for grants from the Sustainable Development Fund since 2003 to carry out work related to sustainable development. Twenty-six projects were approved in the first five rounds, involving grants of $21.8 million, and 16 of them have been completed so far.

To facilitate the integration of sustainability considerations in the decision- making process, since 2002 the Government has adopted a sustainability assessment. system, the implementation of which is overseen by the Sustainable Development Division. All bureaux and departments are required to conduct sustainability assessments of their major initiatives and programmes and to

to explain the implications in their submissions to the Policy Committee and Executive Council.

Government Laboratory

The Government Laboratory supports the enforcement of environmental protection legislation and the implementation of various environmental programmes through the provision of comprehensive analytical and advisory services. In 2008, it conducted numerous tests on environmental samples of air, water, sediment, soil, biota and waste samples and other substances, providing a large volume of useful data for various environmental programmes. Preparations have been made for biodiesel testing, a new analytical service to be provided starting from 2009.

Flora

Hong Kong is situated near the northern boundary of the distribution of tropical Southeast 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, of which 2 100 are native to Hong Kong. Continual efforts in afforestation coupled with various conservation measures have transformed formerly bare hillsides and slopes into impressive woodlands. Besides greening and beautifying the countryside, woodlands are important habitats for wildlife and are essential to 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 or behind traditional villages in rural areas. They have survived as a result of their location in precipitous topography and the moist winter micro-climate, or because they are protected for cultural reasons.

Terrestrial Fauna

Hong Kong's climate and physical environment provide a wide range of habitats and support for a rich and varied fauna which include about 480 species of birds, 56 species of mammals, over 100 species of amphibians and reptiles, 230 species of butterflies and 110 species of dragonflies.