Hong Kong is a small international city consists of 3 parts: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories. Despite being only a small place, a total of 24 country park and 22 special areas have been designated for the purposes of nature conservation. (Afcd.gov.hk, 2015) These country parks and special areas comprise hills, forest land, reservoirs and coast in all parts of Hong Kong, cover a total area of 44,300 hectares, but about 40% of the land area of Hong Kong, much higher than world average level.
The most important function of these country parks and special areas is protect the natural eco-environment. Also, the these country parks and special areas provide good …show more content…
The ordinance of these country parks and special areas emphasize that no hunting, no firing, no damaging trees and so on. The relative ordinance and regulations aim to protect the natural eco-environment in these country parks and special areas. These country parks and special areas play a very important role in sustainable development of the Hong Kong ecological environment. In species, there are more than 2500 kinds of plants, over 400 kinds of birds, over 200 kinds of butterflies, about 80 kinds of reptiles, and about 80 kinds of reptiles. In addition, about 50 species of terrestrial mammals and 10 species of sea mammals are recorded in Hong Kong. (Wong, 1993) In the areas of these country parks and special areas, the habitat can complete retention, for example, like trees, grass, shrubbery, ponds on land and beach, mudflats, wetland, mangrove forests by the sea. These country parks and special areas provide the sustainable and stable environment for the development of Hong Kong biodiversity. Also, they can clean the air, adjust the local climate, prevent soil erosion, prevent the land-slip, etc. (Wong, …show more content…
Usually, most people under great pressure when they live in Hong Kong, such an international and fast-tempo society. The country parks are very popular with all sectors of the community and spending a day in a country park is one of the best recreational choices in town. About 11.2 million visitors were recorded in 2014 and most visitors engaged in leisure walking, fitness exercises, hiking, barbecuing, family picnics and camping. The management department also designs some special line for mountain bike activity. In marine parks, visitors are encouraged to appreciate the beauty and diversity of marine life. Diving, snorkeling, swimming, canoeing, sailing, underwater photography and school visits are popular activities in marine parks.
The country parks and special areas are established for learning purpose. The Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) set up some visitor center and nature educational center for visitor, help visitors gain a better understanding, appreciation of the nature, to introduce Hong Kong precious natural resources and biodiversity. The Hong Kong Department also encourages educational activities, such as a school field trip, naturalistic observation, public lecture and scientific