ENG-2012 — Page 250

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Infrastructure Development and Heritage Conservation

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

To better protect public safety, the GLTM Section's tree risk assessment arrangements for government departments were refined in 2012, and a new electronic Tree Management Information System developed in collaboration with the Efficiency Unit was launched to facilitate a more holistic approach to tree management. In collaboration with relevant departments, District Councils, schools and other interested organisations, the GLTM Section fosters a tree care culture and promotes public awareness of greening issues through community involvement and public education activities. To this end, the GLO published the 'Tree and Landscape Map' in 2012 which introduces special trees, unique landscape design and green spaces in each of the 18 districts in Hong Kong, and aims to enhance public understanding and appreciation of local greening and landscape.

Better living environment through quality greening

The GLTM Section oversees the implementation of greening measures across departments to improve the environment. In addition to developing practical guidelines for departments to achieve design excellence and co-ordinated greening effect, the 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. The GLO encourages the adoption of new greening techniques by sharing technical knowledge among practitioners and in 2012 organised a Skyrise Greenery Awards Scheme to promote further development and wider adoption of skyrise greening in Hong Kong by showcasing the best skyrise greenery projects for public appreciation.

The Government has implemented Greening Master Plans (GMPs) for various districts, defining those districts' overall greening frameworks and themes. Greening works for the urban areas, consisting of around 25,000 trees and over five million shrubs, were completed in 2011 and the New Territories GMPs are being developed.

Drainage Services

Flood Prevention Programme

To address flooding risks, the Drainage Services Department (DSD) has completed various flood protection projects and manages about 2,735 kilometres of drains and watercourses throughout the territory. The department has also embarked on the planning, design and construction of further flood protection works at a total cost of about $13.5 billion.

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