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DRAFT MAP OF LANTAU NORTH (EXTENSION) COUNTRY PARK
Explanatory Statement
1. Authority
This statement forms part of the draft map of the proposed Lantau North (Extension) Country Park, prepared by the Country and Marine Parks Authority (the Authority) under Section 8 of the Country Parks Ordinance (Chapter 208) (“the Ordinance”).
2. Location and Boundaries
The proposed Lantau North (Extension) Country Park (the proposed Country Park) covers areas to the north, north-east and east of the existing Lantau North Country Park. It embraces most of the mountainous areas stretching from Tai Shan above the Penny’s Bay in the east, to Tai Ho, Tung Chung and Sham Wat in the west. It is bounded to the south by the Lantau North Country Park, and to the north by the North Lantau Highway, new town at Tung Chung and the existing villages. The area north of Silvermine Bay and south of the Discovery Bay golf course is also included in the proposed Country Park. It covers an area of about 2360 hectares.
3. Objectives
3.1 The majority of the proposed Country Park is mountainous and upland valleys covered with natural woodland and unspoiled stream courses, which provide highly scenic backdrop to the urban development at Tung Chung. The upland areas also offer magnificent views of the airport to the north, rural and wilderness mountainous areas to the south. The well established areas of secondary woodlands, developed montane forests and fresh water habitats are of high conservation and landscape value. The overall objective of the Country Park is to conserve the natural environment, to protect the diversified habitats and to preserve the scenic landscape.
3.2 Apart from conservation, the area also offers opportunities for outdoor recreation and countryside education. At suitable locations, recreational and educational facilities will be provided. Footpaths will also be improved and upgraded to facilitate hiking and leisure walking activities. The remote mountainous areas of the proposed Country Park provide a good environment for various activities as well as for nature appreciation.
3.3 The management of the proposed Country Park will focus on the conservation of the scenic landscape with special attention to the protection of the woodland against hill fires. Extensive tree planting will be carried out at suitable locations. The area will be patrolled by park wardens. Litter collection and general landscape maintenance will also be carried out by the Authority.
4. Revised Concept Plan for Lantau
4.1 In 2004, the Lantau Development Task Force under the steer of the Financial Secretary formulated a “Concept Plan for Lantau” to provide an overall planning framework for a balanced and coordinated development of Lantau. To promote sustainable development of Lantau by balancing development and conservation needs, nature conservation is one of the important proposals in the Concept Plan. The proposed Country Park was included as a major conservation proposal.
4.2 Taking into account public comments and the latest findings/progress of studies/projects affecting Lantau, the Lantau Development Task Force released in May 2007 a “Revised Concept Plan for Lantau”. The proposed Country Park remains a major item in the comprehensive conservation strategy, as part of the Revised Concept Plan for Lantau.
5. Access
The proposed Country Park is accessible through the existing footpaths connecting to the Lantau North Country Park and adjacent villages. There are also footpaths connecting from Tung Chung Road, Sham Wat Road and Wong Lung Hang Road. The footpath network will be reviewed and improved, directional signs will be erected where appropriate.
6. Zoning
6.1 The proposed Country Park will be subdivided into zones appropriate to different uses, an arrangement which can be adjusted to accommodate future requirements.
(a) Recreational Zone – This zone refers mainly to areas on the lower slopes around Tung Chung and Tai Ho. Recreational facilities such as campsites or picnic/barbecue sites, family walks etc. will be provided for large and small groups of visitors.
(b) Wilderness Zone – This zone will provide scenic views of densely vegetated mountainous areas. Footpaths will be provided and maintained for hiking.
(c) Conservation Zone – The areas identified for this zone are sites of special scientific importance. Access to these areas is, however, not encouraged.
6.2 A piece of land of about 12 hectares at Sze Pak Wan within the proposed Country Park has been identified for the construction of service reservoirs by the Water Supplies Department. Construction of the proposed service reservoirs will be allowed subject to the future need of the Lantau area and the fulfillment of environmental protection requirements. When making plan relating to the proposed Country Park, the authority will take into account the possible use of the service reservoirs there.
7. Visitor Facilities
Existing footpaths will be upgraded and recreational facilities such as picnic tables, benches, litter bins, shelters, information boards and view compasses will be provided at suitable locations. Way markers will be erected at entry points and other strategic locations. Educational facilities such as nature trails, warden posts will be provided where appropriate and guided walks and other nature education activities will be organized.
Country and Marine Parks Authority
Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department
December 2007
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