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研究報告

SECTION 3 NATURAL RESOURCES CAPITAL STOCK

3.2 Land Use and Land Supply
   
Natural Areas of Particular Ecological, Scientific and Recreational Importance

   
3.2.1.12

While there are many sites of ecological, scientific and recreational importance in Hong Kong, and many of these are discussed under Ecological Resources Natural Capital Stock (Section 4.2), the discussion of the natural resources capital stock value of these resources specifically focuses on the following sites which have or are proposed to have designated status:

  • Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs);
  • the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar site, the Mai Po Nature Reserve and Wetland Conservation Area and Wetland Buffer Area;
  • Restricted Areas;
  • artificial reef (AR) deployment sites; and
  • gazetted beaches.
   
3.2.1.13

SSSIs are sites, terrestrial or aquatic, which are of special scientific interest by reason of their flora, fauna or geological features. New SSSIs are proposed by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department or other organisations and individuals. Proposals for SSSIs are submitted to the District Planning Conference for consideration. After endorsement, the proposed SSSIs are submitted to the Committee on Planning and Land Development (CPLD) for approval. The listing of SSSIs is primarily an administrative device to ensure that government departments concerned are aware of the scientific importance of such sites and to ensure that due consideration is given to conservation when developments in or near these sites are proposed. However, SSSI status confers neither statutory power to the Government nor implies any legal restrictions on owners, tenants or occupiers and will not, by itself, ensure protection of the sites against antipathetic activities or other forms of development.

   
3.2.1.14

There are currently 64 designated sites (see Figure 3.2d and Annex B for a list of SSSIs) which comprise 56 sites designated for biological importance and 8 for geological importance. Despite their designation, SSSIs are not necessarily offered any formal protection or conservation status per se as this depends on their inclusion in statutory plans (DPAs or OZPs) or their coverage by other legal instruments and/or designations (eg Marine SSSIs which fall within Marine Parks or Reserves are protected under the Marine Parks Ordinance). Therefore, SSSIs which are not included within Country Parks or other designated protected areas are not considered actively managed for conservation.

   
3.2.1.15 The Mai Po Marshes (including the mudflats in Inner Deep Bay) was designated as a Ramsar Site() on 5 September 1995. The Ramsar Site covers an area of 1,500 hectares and is managed by the Ramsar Administrative Authority which is chaired by AFCD. It is an area of wetland comprising a number of important habitats (see also Paragraph 4.2.1.2 - Ecological Natural Capital Stock) including 24 gei wais (inter-tidal shrimp ponds), the sixth largest stand of mangroves in China, one of the largest reedbeds in the Pearl River Delta and a large area of mudflats. Mai Po is located in the North West New Territories and is of international importance as a waterfowl habitat. Specifically, it forms a winter feeding and resting ground for thousands of migratory birds, including many rare, vulnerable or endangered species. In recent years more than 60,000 waterbirds have wintered in the Mai Po Marshes/Inner Deep Bay area. The Ramsar site is managed under the "wise use" principle, ie managed for sustainable use so that it will yield the greatest continuous benefit to present generations while maintaining its potential to meet the needs and aspirations of future generations (http://www.wwf.org.hk downloaded on 6 December 1999).
   
3.2.1.16

Within the Ramsar Site lies the Mai Po Nature Reserve, which is managed by WWF Hong Kong for conservation and education purposes and to which access is restricted throughout the year. In addition to the Ramsar Site, two Buffer Zones, the Wetland Conservation Area and the Wetland Buffer Area, with a total coverage of about 2,000 ha have been delineated around Mai Po and the Inner Deep Bay area. This is a planning measure designed to add protection to these important wildlife habitats. By protecting the surrounding areas, it is intended to prevent Mai Po and the Inner Deep Bay area from becoming an isolated island of natural habitats surrounded by urban developments.

   
3.2.1.17 According to the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap 170), an area may be declared a Restricted Area in order to protect wild animals, and their nests, eggs and young, from disturbance or harm. There are two Restricted Areas, the Mai Po Marshes (which falls within the Ramsar site) which is protected on a year-round basis and Yim Tso Ha near Sha Tau Kok, which is protected from 1 April to 20 September. In July 1999 a third area, Sham Wan on Lamma Island, was added to the list of Restricted Areas. This beach, which serves as the only documented site in Hong Kong where the Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) nests (Morton 1992), is now closed from 1 June to 31 October during the Green Turtle breeding season.

 

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最近修訂日期: 二零零五年十二月二十二日