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Despite the intense pressure for development and the associated incidences of pollution exceeding environmental quality objectives, Hong Kong still has a great diversity of natural and cultural features, habitats and species which provide a significant scientific and educational resource. The level of scientific understanding of the natural capital stock is, however, influenced by the quality of this resource. The concept of sustainability emphasises the importance of passing on undepleted capital to future generations. As with elements of the capital stock such as natural and ecological resources, the ability of future generations to develop scientific understanding depends in part upon the maintenance of current levels of capital stock and diversity on which to focus that research. Declining natural, cultural and ecological resources can therefore be linked to reduced value for science.
The existence values of the natural capital stock in Hong Kong are very difficult to define, particularly since existence value largely overlaps with other elements of the quality of the resource. For example, declining environmental quality and assimilative capacity or depletion of ecological and natural resources may similarly result in lower existence values, though the relationship is far from being well understood. In Hong Kong, where public perception of environmental issues is relatively low, and the priority that these issues should be afforded (eg against economic considerations) is even lower, existence values are not likely to be high and their significance for sustainability is limited.
The recreational value or potential of natural resources is closely associated with the quality of the resource, therefore as with other elements such as existence values, impacts to the ecological, heritage or assimilative capacity of the resource will also have implications for recreational use. Recreation itself often places competing demands upon resources, in particular on the need for management of natural and heritage resources. Therefore recreational elements of the natural capital stock are both constrained by the quality and extent of the resource, while also exerting pressures upon those resources. The ongoing sustainability of resources which attract or promote recreational use will depend on sensitive management to balance the differing demands of recreational users with ecological and conservation priorities.
Without a comprehensive understanding of the landscape resource in Hong Kong, and with limited means to protect areas of potential landscape significance, landscape is an element of the natural capital stock which requires better interpretation and conservation. Nevertheless, an accurate classification and 'measurement' of landscape value is difficult given the subjectivity placed upon different landscape features and landscape character zones by different observers.
Whilst the County Parks undoubtedly contain many of Hong Kong's best landscapes and thereby afford them a degree of protection, there are many more areas of potentially high scenic importance such as coastal areas and lowland wetlands which contribute to the capital stock but are unprotected from development. In addition, although it cannot strictly be considered as 'natural' capital stock, the urban landscape in Hong Kong offers further visual interest. This is particularly the case when the many varied and dramatic buildings are viewed in the context of the scenic natural characteristics of Victoria Harbour and the backdrop of hills behind the cityscape on both Hong Kong island and to the north of Kowloon. Whilst the intrinsic value of the urban landscape is particularly subjective, the landscape setting of the metropolitan area of Hong Kong is important to both visitors and residents of the city.
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