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Press Release
Pilot nature conservation management agreement projects approved
The Environment and Conservation Fund Committee has approved three applications under the Pilot Scheme for Management Agreements (MA), a spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department said today (October 14).
"A total of $4.6 million will be granted from the Environment and Conservation Fund to the three applicants for enhancing the ecological values of sites in Long Valley and Fung Yuen," the spokesman said.
He said the Pilot Scheme for MA was an important measure under the new Nature Conservation Policy to conserve ecologically important sites under private ownership.
Non-governmental organisations are invited to apply for funds from the ECF for entering into MA with landowners. They will provide landowners with financial incentives in exchange for management rights over their land and their cooperation in enhancing conservation of the sites concerned.
"The scheme will be beneficial to the ecological environment and promote community involvement in conservation," the spokesman added.
One of these proposals will enhance the diversity of butterflies by conserving the land in Fung Yuen, a valuable habitat for butterflies in Hong Kong.
The other project will form partnership with farmers to increase the biodiversity in Long Valley and create a better environment for bird species.
The third project will formulate an agricultural and conservation management strategy in Long Valley. The effectiveness of different agricultural practices and measures on biodiversity will be also studied.
The MA projects will be launched shortly with the funding approval.
End/Friday, October 14, 2005
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