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A Fung Shui woodland at Lai Chi Wo will be designated as a special area for nature conservation and education purposes, a spokesman for the Environment, Transport and Works Bureau said today (December 15).

The Lai Chi Wo (Special Area) Order 2004 under the Country Parks Ordinance, which will take effect on March 15 next year, will better protect the woodland from developments and incompatible human activities.

"The Lai Chi Wo Fung Shui Woodland has high ecological and conservation value in terms of its woodland structure, species richness, diversity and composition," the spokesman said.

"The upper part of the woodland has already been included in the Plover Cove Country Park from when the latter was designated in 1978. The lower part is now designated as the city's 16th Special Area to enhance its protection," he said.

About one hectare in size, the area is located on a slope behind Lai Chi Wo Village. It will be managed by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), and be protected under the Country Parks and Special Areas Regulations.

"Though it is small in size, more than 100 species of plants are recorded there, including Langkok Fig and Golden-leaved Tree, which are rare in Hong Kong. Autumn Maple and Camphor Trees that are as tall as 20 metres can also be found there," the spokesman added.

AFCD will put up interpretive signs to introduce the area's special floristic and ecological features.

The Lai Chi Wo (Special Area) Order 2004 will be gazetted on Friday (December 17) and tabled at the Legislative Council on January 5, 2005.

Ends/Wednesday, December 15, 2004

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