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.

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.

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.

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.