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Following is a question by the Hon Albert Chan Wai Yip and a written reply by the Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, Dr Sarah Liao, at the Legislative Council meeting today (November 26):

Question:

In reply to my question on 22 May 2002, the Administration advised that it had adopted a number of measures to curb the proliferation of Mikania micrantha in rural areas. However, it is learnt that Mikania micrantha is still spreading at an appalling speed, blocking other plants from sunlight and causing the withering of many plants by strangling them. In this regard, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) of the locations and the total area where Mikania micrantha proliferated last year;

(b) of the measures to prevent Mikania micrantha from damaging trees; and

(c) whether it will draw up more effective measures to curb the proliferation of Mikania micrantha; if it will, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

Madam President,

(a) In general, Mikania micrantha has not affected any planting in the urban landscaped areas managed by various Government departments. While there are signs of improvement in country parks and Sites of Special Scientific Interests, the locations and total area of land affected by Mikania micrantha have not changed much since last year. The overall area affected is about 20 hectares or less than 0.05% of the total country park area. The plant can be found mainly at derelict fields, roadsides and hillside at Tuen Mun, Yuen Long, North District, Sai Kung, Pokfulam and fringes of Tai Lam and Pat Sin Leng country parks.

(b) The best way to protect trees from damage by Mikania micrantha is to closely monitor the situation with regular maintenance to ensure that there is no infestation of this weed. In this connection, relevant departments will step up their inspection work in areas under their management. They will also instruct their front-line staff and the maintenance contractors to remove and control the proliferation of Mikania micrantha, as soon as practicable once the plant is found.

(c) The Government will continue to carry out all practical measures to curb the proliferation of Mikania micrantha particularly in country parks and sites of high ecological value. Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department (AFCD) has prepared detailed technical guidelines to assist other departments and members of the public to identify and remove Mikania micrantha, a copy of which is attached at Annex. These guidelines can also be found at the website - http://www.afcd.gov.hk/ conservation; under the heading of Nature Conservation Practice Note No. 01/2003.

Furthermore, AFCD and the Guangdong Forestry Bureau are conducting a joint study to explore more effective means of controlling the plant. The Final Report is now being finalized and the Study is scheduled for completion by end-2003.

Ends/Wednesday, November 26, 2003

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