296 The Environment
While most of the hexagonal volcanic rock columns in other regions of the world are composed of basic basaltic lava, those in Sai Kung are made up of acidic silica-rich rhyolitic volcanic rock. Apart from its extraordinary composition, the columns are considered to be unique for their large area (over 100 square kilometres) and size (average diameter of 1.2 metres).
The Northeast New Territories represents the most comprehensive stratigraphy of sedimentary rocks in Hong Kong, ranging from Devonian sandstone and conglomerate aged about 400 million years to Paleogene siltstone formed 55 million years ago. Fossils including ammonite, brachiopod, crinoids and insects have been found in these sedimentary rocks.
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 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 wilful disturbance, hunting, possession 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.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.