ENG-2014 — 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 designated as 'Restricted Areas': 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.

UN Convention on Biological Diversity

The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD) (extended to Hong Kong in 2011) aims to conserve biodiversity, ensure the sustainable use of its components, and ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits deriving from the use of genetic resources. To contribute to global objectives under the UNBCD's Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, the government is now developing a Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan to step up conservation. efforts and support Hong Kong's sustainable development.

The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, adopted under the UNCBD, aims to ensure the safe handling, transport and use of genetically modified organisms resulting from biotechnology that may have adverse effects on biodiversity. Hong Kong implements the protocol through enforcement of the Genetically Modified Organism (Control of Release) Ordinance.

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 high winds, heavy rain and sometimes storm surges.

234