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Following is a question by the Hon Albert Chan and a written reply by the Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, Dr Sarah Liao, at the Legislative Council meeting today (November 22) :
Question:
It has been learnt that the majority of trees presently planted in country parks belong to non-native species. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(a) of the respective numbers of native trees and non-native trees planted in country parks in each of the past three years; and
(b) whether it plans to plant more native trees in country parks in the next five years; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
Madam President,
(a) The numbers of trees planted in country parks in each of the past three years are as follows:
2003 2004 2005
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Seedlings of native species 493,000 491,000 488,000
Seedlings of exotic species 387,000 386,000 383,000
Total 880,000 877,000 871,000
We planted more native species than exotic ones. Native species accounted for about 56% of newly planted trees.
(b) As native trees can enrich biodiversity and have closer ecological relationships with local wild fauna, we will give priority to planting native species if the site condition is suitable. However, we also need to consider various factors in selecting tree species, such as the objective of afforestation at a particular site, local environmental and soil conditions, etc. For example, at seriously eroded sites or sites with infertile soil, we will plant fast growing and hardy exotic species such as Taiwan Acacia (Acacia confusa) and Bristance Box (Lophostemon confertus). At locations where the soil is relatively fertile and the condition is suitable, we will plant native species that are relatively slow in growing. Having regard to the specific site condition, mixed planting could be adopted at some locations.
We will maintain the proportion of native species planted in country parks at or above the present level in the next five years.
Ends/Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Issued at HKT 13:00
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