SECTION 6 HERITAGE FUNCTIONS CAPITAL STOCK

6.1 Introduction and Definition

6.1.1.1	In this section the natural capital stock of the cultural heritage resource is addressed. Heritage functions may be defined as those sites which contain archaeological, historical, cultural or religious value. The approach in this section has been to identify and distinguish between the baseline resources of archaeological significance (taken here to be buried or standing remains of human activity, ruins and artefacts - see Section 6.2.1 below) and those of the built heritage which include (principally intact) historic buildings, structures and monuments of cultural, architectural or religious significance. Having identified these resources, the examination of impacts upon them and the sustainability of the capital stock is undertaken collectively since many of the pressures upon the resources are common to all aspects of the heritage functions capital stock.

6.1.1.2	Two specific heritage indicators for the study are relevant to this section; the number of recorded archaeological sites and the number of recorded cultural and heritage sites. The quantity and quality of these recorded sites are discussed in the review of the baseline capital stock.

6.1.1.3	Although the source of heritage functions capital stock is essentially anthropogenic (rather than natural per se), the resource may be treated in the context of natural capital stock due to the significant linkages between heritage and natural resources capital stock (eg land use and land supply). Heritage functions also have clear linkages with other elements of capital stock through their scientific, existence, recreational and landscape values. Like other natural and ecological resources, the heritage resource has a finite stock of capital and it has particular value in forming an irreplaceable link between the past and future. Finally, since heritage resources are originally man-made, the concept of 'enhancement' of the resource is less applicable than for other elements of the capital stock, although in some cases, the heritage capital stock may be enhanced through conservation, excavation, research and display.

6.2 Existing Capital Stock and Trends

6.2.1 Archaeological Resources and Antiquities

Definitions and Designations

6.2.1.1	For the purposes of this review, antiquities and archaeological resources may be collectively defined as including buried or upstanding relics of human activity, ancient in age, with known or potential archaeological significance or value. Archaeological relics, also called artefacts, can be defined as materials and objects, whether natural or man-made, which ancient people used in the course of their lives.

6.2.1.2	The Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance (Cap 53) provides the legal basis for protecting and preserving Hong Kong's heritage. All archaeological relics in Hong Kong are considered property of the Government under the Ordinance and the Antiquities Authority is empowered to regulate the search and excavation of all such relics through a system of licensing. The most important sites are known as Declared Monuments, and these are defined under the Ordinance as any feature, structure, building and artefact which the Antiquities Authority (the Secretary for Home Affairs) considers important because of its historical, archaeological or palaeontological significance. Declared Monuments can therefore take the form of archaeological sites or cultural and historical sites (see later in this section).

6.2.1.3	Archaeological sites in Hong Kong include ancient architecture, kilns, hearths, rock carvings, farm lands, shell or refuse mounds and foot prints of ancient human beings. The archaeological finds which allow insight into the lives of Hong Kong's ancient inhabitants are mainly preserved in coastal deposits. This pattern of coastal settlement points to a strong maritime orientation and an economy geared to the exploitation of marine resources. However, evidence of some inland settlement, although limited, is also present.

6.2.1.4	The archaeological resources in the SAR have been classified for the study according to data made available by the Antiquities and Monuments Office (AMO). They comprise: Seventeen out of the total of 67 Declared Monuments in Hong Kong. These sites, which comprise a combination of ancient buildings and structures and archaeological features, are illustrated in Figure 6.2a. A listing of all the declared monuments recorded by the Antiquities and Monuments Office (AMO) is included in Annex I; a listing of 184 further archaeological sites (see Figure 6.2a). These are known as Sites of Specific Archaeological Interest (SSAI) and are subject to administrative rather than statutory control making them more difficult to protect from development.

6.2.1.5	In addition, an extensive Hong Kong-wide survey of archaeological resources which has recently been undertaken (but not fully reported) is expected to include the identification of further archaeological sites which will augment the list of known heritage resources in Hong Kong.