Press Releases
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Public urged to plant trees in country parks Members of the public are urged to take part in the Community Tree Planting Scheme in country parks in support of enhancing our green countryside. The appeal was made by the chairman of Country and Marine Parks Board (CMPB), Dr Tam Wing-kun at the launching ceremony for this year's scheme at Tsiu Hang Special Area, Sai Kung this (Saturday) morning. Dr Tam said: "My joy is indescribable when I found those seedlings I planted years before have grown up gradually to become part of a woodland." As a keen supporter of the event since 1980's, Dr Tam called on members of the public to share his joy by supporting tree planting. He was delighted with the encouraging response that Agriculture and Fisheries Department (AFD) received this year as more than 20,000 applicants had been enrolled in the past two weeks.. On tree planting in country parks, Dr Tam said: "Afforestation is a very difficult and time-consuming work . I appreciate AFD's ceaseless efforts in planting trees, which have restored to greenery lots of eroded land." Dr Tam pointed out that AFD had planted more than 1.8 million tree seedlings in the past five years and more than 40 per cent of these were local species. He said AFD would enhance the territory's afforestation plan in the coming year, with the objective of developing a countryside with richer species and more diversified habitats. "According to this year's plan, the number of tree species will be increased in order to provide better habitats for wildlife," he said. Also speaking at the ceremony, Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, Mrs Lessie Wei noted that about ten local corporations would plant some 100,000 tree seedlings under this year's Corporate Afforestation Scheme. "Apart from efforts of the Government, we need support from all sectors of the community," Mrs Wei said. "The participation of these corporations has undoubtedly showed the public's sincerity and support on the greening of our countryside." Mrs Wei also took this opportunity to pay tribute to the International Lions Clubs District 303 for its continuous support and sponsorship of this annual tree planting event in the past years. Also present at this morning's launching ceremony were the District Governor of Lions Clubs International District 303, Hong Kong and Macau, Ms Judy Sin; CMPB's Public Relation Committee chairman, John Wong and Country Parks Committee chairman Fung Shiu-wing. Starting from tomorrow (Sunday) until the end of April, four country park sites will be open on Sundays and public holidays for members of the public to plant trees. The sites are at Ma On Shan, Quarry Bay, Hok Tau and Mui Wo on Lantau. Seedlings and planting tools will be provided and AFD staff will station at the sites to give technical advice to participants. Enquiry on the public tree planting activity can be directed to Country Parks Ranger Services Division at 2422 9431. |
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