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Jointly organised by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and Friends of the Country Parks, the "Nature in Touch" Hiking and Planting Day kicked off at Sam A Chung, Plover Cove Country Park today (April 18).
Speaking at the launching ceremony, the Assistant Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Joseph Sham, noted that the department has taken an active role in promoting public involvement in countryside conservation work and to enhance public awareness of nature conservation and tree preservation. Tree planting activities have been held since 1957 in Hong Kong. With years of continued efforts, barren lands once suffering from erosion have become forested areas in the country parks.
"Over 730,000 tree seedlings were planted in country parks last year, nearly 70% were native species. We will continue to give priority to planting native species which will provide food and shelter for many local wild animals and enrich the biodiversity in our countryside," Mr Sham said.
In addition to the government's efforts, community participation and support also play an important role in the greening of Hong Kong.
Interested participants should not miss the opportunity to help green Hong Kong. The tree planting activities will continue to be held from 9am to 2pm in the three coming Sundays at the following locations:
April 25 Nei Lak Shan, Lantau North Country Park
May 2 Grassy Hill, Shing Mun
May 9 Near Yeung Ka Tsuen, Tai Lam Country Park
Participants should enroll at the on-site registration points. The AFCD will provide them with seedlings and planting tools on a first-come-first-served basis. Details are available on the AFCD's website: www.hknature.net/natureintouch/en_fieldtrip3.php .
Ends/Sunday, April 18, 2010
Issued at HKT 18:40
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