Our Mission

To conserve natural resources and the bio-diversity of Hong Kong in a sustainable manner, taking into account social and economic considerations, for the benefit of the present and future generations of the community.

Hong Kong is fortunate to have a beautiful natural environment within easy reach of its compact urban neighbourhoods. Country parks, unspoiled coastlines, forests, and rocky islands and outcroppings are only a short bus ride away from concrete streets. They contribute immensely to the city's quality of life.

The Government is committed to protecting and managing these natural resources for the benefit of the community and Hong Kong's biological diversity. In 2012 we continued to promote and develop the new Hong Kong Global Geopark, and we began preparing a Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Hong Kong. These measures will help to ensure future generations can enjoy the natural heritage treasures that make Hong Kong such a special place today.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR: A SUMMARY

COUNTRY PARKS UPDATE

Hong Kong has 24 country parks, four marine parks and a marine reserve, all of which have statutory protection. The country parks attracted about 13 million visitors in 2012, who made use of hiking trails, visitors' centres and barbecue, picnic and camp sites in the parks.

Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park

Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park

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In marine parks, visitors are encouraged to appreciate the beauty and diversity of marine life

In marine parks, visitors are encouraged to appreciate the beauty and diversity of marine life

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Sha Chau & Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park

Sha Chau & Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park

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Shing Mun Country Park

Shing Mun Country Park

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Tai Mo Shan Country Park

Tai Mo Shan Country Park

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In 2011 the Hong Kong National Geopark was accepted into the UN-supported Global Geoparks Network and subsequently renamed the Hong Kong Global Geopark of China. New programmes were initiated in 2012 to promote the Geopark to the public. A Roundtable Conference was also organised with other geoparks from around the world, and “sister arrangements” were signed with Germany's Global Geopark Berstrasse-Odenwald and China's Wudalianchi Geopark. See also A Bedrock of Activity.

PROTECTING ENCLAVES IN COUNTRY PARKS

Country park enclaves are surrounded by or adjacent to country parks, but they are not part of the parks themselves. The Government's long-term aim is to incorporate them into country parks or determine their proper use through town planning procedures. By the end of 2012, these procedures had been applied to 47 of the 77 enclaves. Three enclaves had also been deemed suitable for inclusion in country parks and were going through statutory procedures under the Country Parks Ordinance. See also Conservation of Sites with Private Land.

Country Park Enclaves of Tai Long Sai Wan (Sai Wan)

Country Park Enclaves of Tai Long Sai Wan (Sai Wan)

BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY AND BIOSAFETY

Hong Kong is committed to cooperating with the international community to protect biodiversity. In 2011 we introduced legislation and measures to control the release of genetically modified organisms as we extended the international Convention on Biological Diversity and its Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to Hong Kong.

In 2012 our attention was on strategic matters. In response to the Convention's Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and Aichi Biodiversity Targets, we began preparing a Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (BSAP) for Hong Kong. This will provide administrative and planning guidance on biodiversity conservation for 2015-2020.

LOOKING AHEAD