ENG-2016 — Page 287

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The Environment

To enhance inshore marine resources, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has installed artificial reefs to improve fishery resources and biodiversity. The government's 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, litter collection, the provision of educational and recreational facilities, and the promotion of a better understanding of the countryside.

There are five marine parks and one marine reserve covering 3,400 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. The SSSI register lists 67 sites.

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.

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.

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