This section aims to give an overview on the Nature Conservation Policy in Hong Kong. For more information, please visit New Nature Conservation Policy, Nature Conservation, Country and Marine Parks, Protection of Endangered Species.

Nature Conservation Policy Statement

Our nature conservation policy is to regulate, protect and manage natural resources that are important for the conservation of biological diversity of Hong Kong in a sustainable manner, taking into account social and economic considerations, for the benefit and enjoyment of the present and future generations of the community.

Outlook of the Natural Heritage In Hong Kong

We have so far designated 23 Country Parks, 17 Special Areas with a total area of about 41 644 hectares, and four Marine Parks and one Marine Reserve. We are also in the process of designating a new country park in North Lantau. Another 6 600 hectares of Hong Kong's land are subject to stringent planning and development controls under conservation zonings on statutory town plans including Site of Special Scientific Interest, Conservation Area and Coastal Protection Area (CPA). In total, about 43% of Hong Kong's land area is under statutory protection. Establishment of these protected areas and other conservation efforts (including implementation of conservation plans for specific species) have contributed to the maintenance of a rich biodiversity in Hong Kong. Hong Kong compares favourably with many other places with similar economic development in terms of both the share of protected areas and biodiversity.

Latest Development in Nature Conservation

We have conducted a review and a public consultation exercise on the nature conservation policy in 2003. Taking into account the comments received during the public consultation, we announced a new nature conservation policy together with an implementation plan on 11 November 2004. For more details, please visit New Nature Conservation Policy.

Two pilot schemes have been introduced under the new nature conservation policy, namely the Management Agreement (MA) and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Schemes. With grants of $4.62 million from the Environment and Conservation Fund (ECF), three MA pilot projects at Fung Yuen and Long Valley were launched in end 2005. A review of MA was conducted in May 2007. The increase in the numbers and diversity of birds as well as the increase in diversity of butterfly habitats suggested that MA Scheme is effective in enhancing the conservation value of the sites. In addition to the direct benefit to species, the MA projects also raised the public and local villagers’ awareness of conservation. Noting the merits of the Scheme, the ECF supported the continuation of the MA Scheme. In early 2008, the ECF approved funds for these projects to be continued for another two years. Currently, more than 13 hectares of land is under active conservation in the Scheme.

Under the PPP Pilot Scheme, we received a total of six applications, which involve land located at Sha Lo Tung, Tai Ho, Mui Tsz Lam & Mau Ping, Wu Kau Tang, Yung Shue O and Tin Fook Wai. Subsequently, the proponent of the Tin Fook Wai project withdrew its application.

In assessing the PPP proposals, due consideration had been given to the net benefits of the proposals in enhancing conservation of the site, possible adverse environmental impacts arising from the proposed developments, the sustainability of the proposals and the long-term commitment of the proponent, etc. In April 2008, the Government consulted the Advisory Council on the Environment and supported the Sha Lo Tung project from the conservation angle.

The Environmental Assessment report and the Environmental Monitoring and Audit Manual of the Sha Lo Tung project can be viewed here.