Opening remarks by USEN at press conference on Ting Kok Coastal Conservation Plan (with video)

Opening remarks by USEN at press conference on Ting Kok Coastal Conservation Plan (with video)
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     Following is the English translation of the opening remarks by the Under Secretary for the Environment, Ms Christine Loh, at a press conference on Ting Kok Coastal Conservation Plan today (October 25):

     The Government recognises the undoubted ecological and scenic value of Ting Kok and Shuen Wan Hoi neighbourhood, as well as Tolo Harbour and Tolo Channel. The recent public attention over Lung Mei has stimulated the new administration to enhance protection of ecology at the Sites of Special Scientific Interests (SSSI) at Ting Kok East and Ting Kok. The Government is announcing a new Ting Kok Coastal Conservation Plan (Ting Kok Plus), which represents a new plan to protect the ecology of the area for the long term. The Environment Bureau (ENB) will lead an inter-bureaux and departmental process to work out implementation details, as well as engage interested people and groups who can share their views and expertise. This process will begin immediately.

     ENB's inter-bureaux-departmental coordination work aims to achieve the following:

(i) Create an improved ecological protection plan for the SSSI and Ting Kok area in Shuen Wan Hoi so that they can be appropriately protected and managed for the long term;

(ii) Re-plan public accessibility to coastal areas for both public enjoyment and also conservation, so that sensitive ecological areas can be protected from overuse. Accessibility paths will be sensitively planned and designed from ecological, environmental and visual perspectives taking into consideration the existing local residences;

(iii) Consider the education value of the entire area and how it can be appropriately used by the public, students and for research.

(iv) Devise a plan to clean up degraded and damaged parts of the coastal area to enhance public enjoyment;

(v) Closely monitor the water quality of Shuen Wan Hoi and report regularly on water quality to ensure that the new sewerage system will effectively improve water quality; and

(vi) Review the other ecologically valuable areas in Tolo Harbour and Tolo Channel and ensure they are also appropriately managed.

     Beyond internal coordination, ENB will consult interested individuals and organisations who can contribute their views and expertise. We hope the planning and realisation of Ting Kok Plus will set a standard for public engagement and government-community collaboration, with a view to strengthening ecological protection and education work with joint efforts.

     ENB will organise an initial engagement gathering with interested parties to work on an improved ecological protection plan for the SSSI and Ting Kok area within this year.

Ends/Thursday, October 25, 2012
Issued at HKT 15:55

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