D. Sectoral Issues D1. Conservation
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D. Sectoral Issues D1. Conservation D2. Sustainable Development D3. Strategic Environmental Assessment D4. Planned Population and Employment Opportunities D5. North Lantau New Town D6. Tourism D7. Internal Transport Network D8. External Transport Network D1. Conservation Nature Conservation Background The New Nature Conservation Policy formulated in 2004 seeks to regulate, protect and manage natural resources that are important for the conservation of biological diversity of Hong Kong in a sustainable manner, taking into account social and economic considerations, for the benefit and enjoyment of the present and future generations. The protection of biological diversity including sites of high ecological values and the animals and plants associated with these sites, has been undertaken with various conservation measures, including designation of country parks, special areas, marine parks, marine reserves and conservation zonings, and implementation of conservation plans for important habitats and species. Lantau supports a rich diversity of flora and fauna. In pursuit of the nature conservation objectives, the protection of uplands in Central Lantau, streams of ecologically importance, waters in South West Lantau and other ecologically sensitive natural habitats is an important underlying principle of the Concept Plan. To achieve balanced planning integrating conservation needs, nature conservation is an important component and proposals have been put forward in the Concept Plan. Current Conservation Efforts Country Parks: Existing Country Parks in Lantau are managed for the protection against fire, afforestation and vegetation management, enhancement of habitats and biodiversity, establishment of ecological database, control of developments, provision of recreation and educational facilities, keeping the parks clean and tidy, and promoting the understanding of the importance of countryside for nature conservation, education, recreation and scientific studies. Marine Habitat: The Agricultural, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has also developed conservation plans for Chinese White Dolphin in terms of management, public education, research and cross-boundary cooperation to enable the species to continue to use Hong Kong waters as a portion of their population range in the Pearl River Estuary. Ecological Database: AFCD is conducting ecological surveys to establish a comprehensive ecological database for Hong Kong, and convening working group meetings involving experts from local organisations and tertiary institutions to review their assessment on species rarity and site protection, and to develop conservation plans for rare species. Information about the Annex 4 – D1 p.83 conservation value of different sites will be made available to other Government departments and the public to facilitate land use planning. Conservation Plans: The Government will continue the implementation of conservation plans for the protection of important habitats and species. In addition, AFCD has recently carried out habitat creation trials for butterflies at Nam Shan, and fishes and amphibians at Tung Chung Au. Land Use Planning: Many of the ecologically important or sensitive sites outside Country Parks in Lantau have been protected under statutory town plans, for example, the habitats for Romer’s Tree Frogs at Ngong Ping have been zoned “Site of Special Scientific Interest” (“SSSI”); the natural coastlines at Pui O, Cheung Sha, Tong Fuk, Shui Hau and Discovery Bay zoned “Coastal Protection Areas” (“CPA)”; uplands at Ngong Ping and Discovery Bay as “Conservation Areas” (“CA”) and the fung shui woodlands in Mui Wo, Cheung Sha and Tong Fok zoned “Green Belts” (“GB”). Ecological resources have been investigated under previous studies relevant to Lantau, such as South West New Territories Recommended Development Strategy (SWNT RDS), Northshore Lantau Development Feasibility Study, Remaining Development in Tung Chung and Tai Ho Comprehensive Feasibility Study, Study on Revitalisation of Tai O and South Lantau and Mui Wo Development - Feasibility Study. The ecologically important Leung Uk Marsh, Tai O Reedbed, Po Chu Tam Egretry, Tai O salt pans mangrove planting area and Luk Keng headland have been designated as “CA” for conservation purpose in the relevant Recommended Outline Development Plan or Outline Development Plan. The protection of these and other sites of conservation value will be taken forward in preparing or updating the town plans. Nature Conservation Proposals: Previous studies conclude that the proposed Lantau North (Extension) Country Park in North Lantau, covering a total area of 2,360 hectare (ha), is suitable for designation as a country park in terms of its conservation value, landscape amenity and recreation potential, and that the waters around South West Lantau, covering about 657 ha, are important habitats for Chinese White Dolphin and other marine life. They are considered suitable for designation as Country Park and Marine Park respectively. Key Issues There is a unanimous support of the nature conservation initiatives of the Concept Plan. The following key issues are raised on conservation: (a) there should be commitment to implement the proposed Lantau North (Extension) Country Park, South West Lantau Marine Park and Soko Islands Marine Park; (b) there should be concrete conservation measures to increase forest coverage, conserve wildlife and enhance bio-diversity; (c) there should be increased conservation efforts to mitigate the environmental impact of development; (d) a comprehensive conservation plan is needed; (e) the recommendations in the conservation strategy prepared by the environmental concern groups should be adopted; (f) there should be ways to protect areas of unique ecological value including wetlands, coastlines, and natural streams which fall outside existing or proposed conservation measures; and (g) nature conservation education is fundamental to achieving nature conservation. p.84 Annex 4 – D1 The Way Forward Country Park and Marine Park Designations The Government will consider the implementation timetable for the designation of the Lantau North (Extension) Country Park and the South West Lantau Marine Park (see also sections on Lantau North (Extension) Country Park and South West Lantau Marine Park). Tung Chung Valley, Tung Chung Bay and Wong Lung Hang Valley The ecological resources in these three areas have been recognised in the Concept Plan. In the planned Feasibility Study for Remaining Development in Tung Chung, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) including an ecological impact assessment will be undertaken to fulfill the EIA Ordinance requirements. The possible environmental impacts on ecologically sensitive areas would be assessed and mitigation measures formulated where necessary. Tai Ho Tai Ho Stream and its surrounding valley have been identified as one of the 12 priority sites for enhanced conservation under the New Nature Conservation Policy with a view to better conserving this ecologically important site. Other Conservation Proposals and Measures AFCD is conducting ecological surveys and compiling an ecological database for Hong Kong as a whole, including Lantau. Upon the availability of the ecological database, we will, if necessary, review the sites of nature conservation importance and consider appropriate conservation measures. This database will provide background information to facilitate the planning and control of development projects. Heritage Preservation Background The current heritage preservation policy is to support and promote the preservation of heritage. In the current practice, heritage preservation involves the identification of potential heritage items, assessment and selection, declaration, restoration, repairs and maintenance, adaptive re-use, interpretation and management, and periodic review of the preservation plan. Lantau is a treasure island of both built and archaeological heritage, containing 5 declared monuments, 5 graded historical buildings, 59 archaeological sites, a number of other cultural heritage sites of varying historical significance and over 20 temples. The Concept Plan has acknowledged the rich endowment of cultural heritage in Lantau and defined heritage preservation as part of the approach to sustainable development in the Plan. In order to enhance the cultural heritage, the Concept Plan has proposed to preserve the unique character and setting of traditional settlements including Tai O fishing village and Mui Wo. The Concept Plan has included proposals to promote the awareness and appreciation of built and cultural heritage, including the setting up of a museum of Lantau and heritage trails. Key Issues The following key issues are raised in the consultation: (a) more efforts should be made to preserve the buildings of historical interest and cultural heritage; (b) both the monuments and their environs should be protected at the same time; Annex 4 – D1 p.85 (c) need to preserve the cultural environment, not just built heritages; (d) protection of archeological sites; and (e) preservation, rehabilitation and renovation of degraded heritage sites. The Way Forward Noting the public’s interest and concerns on the protection and enhancement of built and cultural heritages, the heritage conservation proposals will be elaborated in the revised Concept Plan. Due regard will be given to include preservation of the declared monuments, graded buildings, and other sites of cultural heritage interest and their environs. Efforts should