ENG-2018 — Page 290

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The Environment

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. Sixty- seven sites are listed on 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 rare and attractive indigenous plants to deter illegal collection. These include 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.

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. Amendments to the ordinance were passed by the Legislative Council on 31 January and the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants (Amendment) Ordinance 2018 came into effect on 1 May to enhance regulations on the import and re-export of ivory and elephant hunting trophies, phase out the local ivory trade and increase the maximum penalties on illegal trade in endangered species.

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.

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