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Following is the speech by the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mrs Lessie Wei, JP, at the "Hong Kong Insects" Special Stamps Issuing Ceremony today (July 16):

Mr Chiang, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

It gives me great pleasure to join you at the issuing ceremony of the "Hong Kong Insects" Special Stamp Issue.

Insects tend to escape our notice just because they are tiny and small. However, on closer look, you will find these vital and quiet creatures diverse in species, rich in colour and very different in shape. I believe the special stamps issued today will certainly arouse public interest in Hong Kong insects.

Woodlands, soil and watercourses are habitats of insect. Yet, in urban areas, we have multi-storeyed buildings instead of trees. Soil is overlaid by bitumen and drains are mainly for sewage purpose. The environment we provide for our insects is not altogether friendly. As a matter of fact, the number of species in contact with us are quite limited. Rural areas used to provide better living environment but much has changed as a result of urbanization. Perhaps fewer and fewer insects could be observed in future. It is therefore important to know more about insects and care for their ecology.

Hongkong Post illustrates to us four kinds of rare and special insects on their stamps. This is really a meaningful and delightful issue that will definitely widen our scope of knowledge as well. I am sure you will like these beautiful stamps.

Thank you.

End/Sunday, July 16, 2000

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