ENG-2015 — Page 283

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The Environment

Two marine mammal species can be found throughout the year. The Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, also known as the Chinese white dolphin, is the better known of the two. It prefers an estuarine environment and inhabits the western waters, while the Indo-Pacific finless porpoise lives in the eastern and southern parts, where the waters are predominantly oceanic.

To enhance inshore marine resources, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has installed artificial reefs to improve fishery resources and biodiversity. The Marine Parks programme is important in protecting and conserving sites of special ecological and conservation value.

Protected Areas

About 40 per cent of Hong Kong's total land area is designated as country parks and special areas for conservation and recreation. There are 24 country parks and 22 special areas covering about 44,300 hectares of scenic hills, woodlands, reservoirs, islands, indented coastlines, marshes and uplands. They are carefully protected for nature conservation, education and scientific studies.

Management responsibilities include the protection of woodland and vegetation against hill fire, control of development, tree planting, planting enhancement, 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 and totally banned in marine reserves. Publicity and educational activities are organised for students and other members of the public.

Besides designating protected areas, the government identifies and conserves 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.

Conservation and Biodiversity

Legislation and Conservation

The Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, who is also the Country and Marine Parks Authority, oversees the conservation of terrestrial and marine ecological resources and the enforcement of legislation on nature conservation issues.

The Forests and Countryside Ordinance provides for the general protection of trees and vegetation. Its subsidiary Forestry Regulations control the selling and possession of certain attractive plants to deter illegal collection. These include native camellias, magnolias, orchids, azaleas and the Chinese New Year flower.

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