The current system of protection for areas of landscape importance relies upon the designation of sites largely for other reasons (eg country parks) and there is no formal system of specific landscape designation, possibly with the exception of Coastal Protection Areas (CPAs) on statutory land use plans. Such conservation zones(1) do not provide a coherent framework for identification and protection of landscape value (or indeed, for other natural capital stock functions), therefore the landscape resource is neither fully recorded or protected in Hong Kong. Impacts from sporadic, unchecked or visually inappropriate development are therefore the most significant threat to landscape value.

(1) Conservation Zones include SSSIs, Country Parks, Green Belts, Coastal Protection Areas and Conservation Areas.

Without a comprehensive understanding of the landscape resource in Hong Kong, and with limited means to protect areas of potential landscape significance, landscape is an element of the natural capital stock which requires much better interpretation and conservation. Nevertheless, an accurate classification and 'measurement' of landscape value is difficult given the subjectivity placed upon different landscape features and landscape character zones by different observers.

Whilst the County Parks undoubtedly contain many of Hong Kong's best landscapes and thereby afford them a degree of protection, there are many more areas of potentially high scenic importance such as coastal areas and lowland wetlands which contribute to the capital stock but are unprotected from development. It would appear that a more specific system of landscape designation, with policies to protect important areas is necessary to conserve and enhance this resource in Hong Kong. Such a system must be based upon a detailed understanding, characterisation and evaluation of the various landscapes across the territory which recognises the importance of landscape beyond its intrinsic natural resource value and Planning Department are developing a brief for such a landscape characterisation study.

In addition, although it cannot strictly be considered as 'natural' capital stock, the urban landscape in Hong Kong offers further visual interest. This is particularly the case when the many varied and dramatic buildings are viewed in the context of the scenic natural characteristics of Victoria Harbour and the backdrop of hills behind the cityscape on both Hong Kong island and to the north of Kowloon. Whilst the intrinsic value of the urban landscape is particularly subjective, the landscape setting of the metropolitan area of Hong Kong is important to both visitors and residents of the city.