The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (October 18) launched the $500-million Countryside Conservation Funding Scheme (CCFS) to support non-profit making organisations to carry out countryside conservation and revitalisation projects.

     To protect the natural ecology of the remote countryside, revitalise the architectural environment of villages and conserve cultural as well as heritage resources, the Countryside Conservation Office (CCO) was established under the EPD at the end of July 2018 as announced by the Chief Executive in her 2017 Policy Address. The Government has earmarked $1 billion to support countryside conservation initiatives implemented under the CCO, of which $500 million will be deployed to provide financial support to non-profit making organisations and villagers through the CCFS for organising diverse and innovative conservation activities or projects in the remote countryside (except Lantau Island) based on an interactive and co-operative approach.

     "A dedicated funding source, the CCFS supports sustainable and holistic conservation efforts in Hong Kong's rural countryside covering a wide spectrum of areas ranging from the natural environment/habitats, non-graded built heritage to cultural and historic assets, etc", a CCFS spokesperson said.

     The CCFS is now open for applications. The Application Form and Guide to Application of the CCFS can be downloaded from the EPD website (www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/conservation/ccfs/ccfs_main.html). A briefing session will be held on October 30 (Wednesday) at the Hong Kong Museum of History, 100 Chatham Road South, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon to brief interested parties on details of the CCFS and points to note in preparing applications. Persons who would like to attend the briefing session are required to register with the CCFS Secretariat by October 25 (Friday).

     Enquiries can be directed to the CCFS Secretariat at 3151 7137 or ccfs@epd.gov.hk.

Ends/Friday, October 18, 2019
Issued at HKT 15:00

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