286 The Environment
Legislation and Nature Conservation
The Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, who is also the Country and Marine Parks Authority, is responsible for the conservation of terrestrial and marine ecological resources and for the enforcement of legislation on nature conservation issues.
The Forests and Countryside Ordinance provides for the general protection of trees and vegetation. Its subsidiary legislation, Forestry Regulations, controls the selling and possession of certain attractive plants to deter illegal collection. These include native camellias, magnolias, orchids, azaleas and the Chinese New Year flower.
The Wild Animals Protection Ordinance prohibits the hunting and sale or export of protected wild animals found in Hong Kong. It also restricts entry into three. important wildlife habitats that are designated as 'restricted areas'. These are the Mai Po Marshes, the Yim Tso Ha Egretry and the green turtle nesting beach at Sham Wan.
The Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance imposes controls on the import, export, re-export, introduction from the sea or possession of endangered species to prevent their over-exploitation.
The Country Parks Ordinance provides for the designation, control and management of country parks and special areas for nature conservation, education and scientific research purposes. Country parks may be used for compatible recreation and tourism purposes.
The Marine Parks Ordinance provides for the designation, protection and management of 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.
The Fisheries Protection Ordinance provides for the regulation of fishing. practices and the prevention of destructive fishing activities such as those involving the use of explosives or toxic substances to catch fish.
Protected Areas
About 40 per cent of Hong Kong's total land area has been designated as country parks and special areas for conservation and recreation. There are 24 country parks and 17 special areas covering 44 000 hectares of scenic hills, woodlands, reservoirs, islands, indented coastlines, marshes and uplands. All are carefully protected for nature conservation, education and scientific studies. Management responsibilities include the 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
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