ENG-2010 — Page 355

The Environment 297

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 dedicated to conservation, education and scientific studies. Fishing in marine parks is controlled through a permit system while it is totally banned in marine reserves. Publicity and educational activities are organised for students and members of the public.

To improve the preservation and management of the Hong Kong National Geopark, five geologically important sites, Double Haven, High Island, Sharp Island, the Ung Kong Group and the Ninepin Group covering a total of 235 hectares will be designated as special areas in early 2011. Located in the Northeast New Territories, the geology of the Double Haven Special Area is characterised by sedimentary rocks of the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. The other four special areas are located in the Sai Kung district, and their geology is characterised by volcanic rocks of the Cretaceous period.

Besides designating protected areas, the Government has been identifying and conserving sites of special scientific interest (SSSI), such as areas with special geological features and natural habitats of rare plants or animals, by exercising strict land use planning and development controls. There are 67 sites listed in the SSSI register.

Topography and Geology

Hong Kong's natural terrain is characterised by rugged uplands flanked by steep slopes. The highest point is Tai Mo Shan (957 metres above Principal Datum) in the central New Territories, and the lowest point (66 metres below Principal Datum) is in Lo Chau Mun (the Beaufort Channel) to the north of Po Toi Island. The mountains are predominantly formed of volcanic rocks, whereas the lower hills consist mainly of granite. Low-lying areas are generally underlain by granite or sedimentary rocks. A layer of soft, weathered rock covers the bedrock in most places, slope debris. mantles the natural hillsides, and alluvium fills many of the valleys. Offshore, the seabed is covered with marine mud, with sand sheets occurring near the coast and in channels.

The oldest exposed rocks in Hong Kong are composed of river sediments that were deposited approximately 400 million years ago. From 350 to 290 million years