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The Environment

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 overexploitation.

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. It allows recreational activities such as swimming and diving 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, mainly in the form of farming or field trials for scientific research.

UN Convention on Biological Diversity

The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, extended to Hong Kong in 2011, is an international convention aiming 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. While the territory is not a contracting party to the convention on its own, the government has developed a city-level Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for implementation between 2016 and 2021 based on the principles of the convention, taking into account local economic and social priorities, and aspirations of the people. This will step up conservation efforts and support Hong Kong's sustainable development.

The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, adopted under the convention, aims to ensure the safe handling, transport and use of GMOS resulting from modern biotechnology that may have adverse effects on biodiversity. Hong Kong implements the protocol through enforcing the Genetically Modified Organisms (Control of Release) Ordinance.

Climate

Hong Kong has a subtropical climate. January and February are cloudier with cold spells, while 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 occur between June and October, bringing high winds, heavy rain and sometimes storm surges. November and December are generally fine and dry with pleasantly cool weather, and may on occasion be relatively cold at night and in the early morning.

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