Following is a question by the Hon Choy So-yuk and a written reply by the Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, Dr Sarah Liao, at the Legislative Council meeting today (May 11) :
Question:
Will the Government inform this Council:
(a) of the respective numbers of trees which match the following descriptions and their locations:
(i) with a trunk diameter of or over 0.8 metre, or a girth of or over 2.5 metres, or a height of or over 15 metres;
(ii) of special ecological or scientific research value; and
(iii) banyan trees growing on walls;
(b) of the current health conditions of the trees mentioned above;
(c) hether it carries out regular inspections of the trees mentioned above; and
(d) whether it has formulated special measures to conserve the trees mentioned above; if it has, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
Madam President,
(a) The Government does not possess detailed information on the numbers and locations of trees in Hong Kong that match the descriptions in part (a) of the question. However, according to a rough estimate by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), at least 3 000 trees on government land in the metro and new town areas and along major highways may fall into the category described in part (a)(i) of the question.
Nevertheless, the Government currently keeps a Register of Old and Valuable Trees, which enlists the trees (mainly on government land in the metro and new town areas) that have been assessed as satisfying one or more of the following criteria:
(i) large size (e.g. with a trunk diameter of 1 000 mm or above; a height of 25 m or above; or a canopy spread of 25 m or above);
(ii) precious or rare species;
(iii) particularly old age (e.g. over 100 years old);
(iv) outstanding form; or
(v) having cultural, historical or memorable significance.
The Register, which includes 527 trees at present, has been uploaded to the website of the LCSD for public inspection.
All the trees on the Register (or "registered trees") are in good condition. The government departments concerned conduct regular inspections to monitor their condition. In addition, the LCSD and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department regularly appraise the condition of the registered trees and advise the tree maintenance departments to take follow-up action as appropriate.
The Government has already put in place a series of administrative and legislative measures to protect trees in Hong Kong. Special conservation measures have also been designed for the registered trees. For instance, felling or transplanting a registered tree is strictly prohibited unless with very special reasons. In addition, the area surrounding a registered tree is designated as a tree protection zone, in which construction works cannot be carried out without the prior approval of the Lands Department. If a registered tree exists on a piece of government land to be leased to a private developer, the Lands Department will include appropriate clauses in the lease to restrict the use of the protection zone.
End/Wednesday, May 11, 2005
NNNN