​The Government gazetted today (December 2) a draft map of the proposed Robin's Nest Country Park (RNCP). The draft map is available for public inspection at designated government offices for 60 days starting from today.
      
     To conserve the natural environment, biodiversity and cultural heritage resources, as well as preserve scenic landscape and promote outdoor recreation, the Government has proposed to designate the RNCP as the 25th country park in Hong Kong. The proposed RNCP is located at Sha Tau Kok in the north-eastern part of the New Territories, with a total area of about 530 hectares and does not include any village environs, permitted burial grounds and private lands.
      
     A Government spokesman said, "The proposed RNCP is a hilly terrain with secondary woodland and shrubland habitats dominating on the northern slopes. The southern slopes are predominately covered by upland grassland with sparse shrublands. The area presents a pleasant landscape of high aesthetic value, and is also rich in biodiversity. Upon completion of designation procedures, the RNCP will echo the adjacent Shenzhen Wutong Mountain Scenic Area to create a cross-border ecological corridor between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, with a view to strengthening the protection of habitats of high ecological values in both places."
      
     The spokesman said that the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) will construct a hiking trail network and establish recreational facilities such as picnic sites, viewing points and rain shelters etc at suitable locations at the RNCP. The AFCD will also revitalise the Lin Ma Hang Lead Mine site within the country park as an open museum to showcase the mining history, wartime relics and bat ecology to the public, with a view to enriching the local recreation, education and ecotourism resources for public enjoyment.
      
     The draft map of the proposed RNCP was prepared by the Country and Marine Parks Authority in accordance with the Country Parks Ordinance (Cap. 208). Members of the public can examine the draft map free of charge from today until January 30, 2023 at designated government offices during office hours. Copies of the draft map are also available for sale at the AFCD headquarters on 5/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Shan Wan Road, Kowloon. Details are available on the AFCD’s website: www.afcd.gov.hk/english/country/cou_wha/whatsnew_gazette_notice.html.
      
     Any person who intends to oppose the draft map may submit a written statement of objection, stating the nature of and reasons for the objection, and proposed alterations to the draft map (if any) within the period of 60 days after the notice is published in the Gazette to the Country and Marine Parks Authority by post to the headquarters of the AFCD.

Ends/Friday, December 2, 2022
Issued at HKT 16:45

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