ENG-2013 — Page 290

14

The Environment

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 on Lamma Island.

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.

The Genetically Modified Organisms (Control of Release) Ordinance controls the release into the environment, and the import and export, of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). It aims to protect the local biological diversity from possible adverse impacts arising from GMOs intended for release into the environment, which mainly involves farming or field trials for scientific researches.

Climate

Hong Kong has a sub-tropical climate. January and February are cloudier with spells of cold weather. March and April are milder and humid with fog. From May to August, it is hot and humid with occasional heavy rain and thunderstorms. Tropical cyclones usually affect Hong Kong between June and October, bringing squalls and heavy rain. November and December are generally fine and dry with pleasantly cool weather, although on occasions, it may be relatively cold at night and in the early morning.

The Year's Weather

In 2013, temperatures overall in Hong Kong were near normal. The first three months of the year were significantly warmer than normal. In particular, the mean temperature of February and March was around two degrees above normal and ranked the fifth highest for the same period on record. However, this warmer weather was offset by cooler weather in April, July and December, when the monthly mean temperatures were one to two degrees below normal.

It was also wet and thundery in 2013, with total rainfall about 19 per cent above normal. There were 53 days with thunderstorms, the most since 1947. A trough of low pressure brought

238