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The designation of Ma Shi Chau as a special area reflects the Government's determination and commitment in nature conservation, said the Executive Council member, Mr Leung Chun-ying this (Saturday) morning.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of Ma Shi Chau Special Area, Mr Leung pointed out that Ma Shi Chau was an area with rich geological resources and fossils and had been a "natural classroom" for many schools.

"By designating it as a special area, not only can we conserve these resources, but also provide an ideal site for teaching and research purposes"

He said that Hong Kong had been doing its very best in striking a balance between urban development and conservation and members of the public should help to protect the natural environment.

"I believe that with our concerted efforts, we may enjoy the best of both urban life and countryside beauty in the future."

At the same ceremony, Deputy Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, Mr Richard Yip announced the opening of the Ma Shi Chau Nature Trail which featured different geological characteristics of the area.

"This nature trail would introduce various interesting geology and geographical landscape of Ma Shi Chau to the general public," said Mr Yip.

The nature trail along the southern coast of Ma Shi Chau was designed with the help of a number of experts in geology. There are a total of 15 check points with interpretation signs, explaining the features and formation of different types of rocks and landscapes.

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Mr Yip also took the opportunity to thank Mr Lee Cho-min, Mr To Ka-yan, Dr Chan Lung-sang and the Civil Engineering Department for their assistance in the designation of Ma Shi Chau Special Area and the setting up of the nature trail.

Ma Shi Chau Special Area covers 61 hectares of government land. It consists of four islands in Tolo Harbour, namely Ma Shi Chau, Centre Island , Yeung Chau and the unnamed island about 100 metres northeast of the shore of Yim Tin Tsai peninsula near Sam Mun Tsai New Village.

This special area consists some oldest rocks in Hong Kong and is rich in geological and geomorphological features such as folding, faulting, unconformities and wave-cut platforms.

Fossils are found in Centre Island and Ma Shi Chau. Yeung Chau is an island made up of igneous rocks of granodiorite and is totally unspoiled. The unnamed island is a nesting site for egrets and has mature woodlands.

All the four islands of this special area have not been damaged nor affected by development. The whole area will be managed for nature conservation and outdoor education by the Country and Marine Parks Authority. For the sake of conserving these valuable geological features, members of the public should not perform any excavation activities within this special area without prior approval.

End/Saturday, April 10, 1999

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