ENG-2011 — Page 290

246 Infrastructure Development and Heritage Conservation

management, to achieve the sustainable development of a greener environment for Hong Kong.

The GLO is responsible for central co-ordination of policy matters and departmental efforts on greening and landscape planning and design, while the TMO advocates a quality-led approach to tree management among tree management departments and in the community at large.

The GLTM Section seeks to raise the level of professionalism among practitioners and build up the capacity of the industry by formulating standards and guidelines on relevant issues (such as adequate space allocation for new planting, proper selection of planting species, pruning, vegetation maintenance, etc.), commissioning research, promoting knowledge-sharing both locally and with overseas counterparts, facilitating manpower development through enhanced training, as well as enhancing qualification requirements for contractors and contractor management.

To better protect public safety, the GLTM Section introduced a new set of tree risk assessment arrangements for government departments in 2010, which was refined in 2011. A new electronic Tree Management Information System is being developed in collaboration with the Efficiency Unit in 2011 to facilitate a more holistic approach in tree management. In collaboration with relevant departments, District Councils, schools and other interested organisations, the GLTM Section will continue to foster a tree care culture and promote public awareness of greening issues through community involvement and public education activities.

Better living environment through quality greening

The GLTM Section oversees the implementation of greening measures across departments to provide a quality living environment. In addition to developing practical guidelines for departments to achieve design excellence and co-ordinated greening effect, GLO also works closely with departments to identify greening opportunities, promote quality landscape design and designate quality space for future greening at the early planning stage.

The GLO advocates a co-ordinated approach to urban greening and open-space planning, and promotes best practices in landscape design and implementation to optimise the greening effect. In view of the congested urban environment in Hong Kong, the GLO encourages the adoption of new greening techniques, such as vertical greening and roof greening, by sharing technical knowledge among practitioners.

The Government has been developing and implementing Greening Master Plans (GMPs) for various districts. The GMPs define the overall greening frameworks and themes for individual districts. The GMPs for urban areas have been developed. The greening works recommended in the GMPs for immediate implementation were completed in June 2011. The GMP initiative is being extended to cover the New Territories.