100 million trees and shrubs planted over last decade (with photos)
Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Mak Chai-kwong, said today (August 11) that in order to enhance the living environment, the government had attached importance to the greening works and had planted about one 100 million trees, shrubs and flowers in the past decade.
Addressing the opening ceremony for the 10th Anniversary Memorial Garden cum Community Tree Planting Day in Kowloon Park, Mr Mak said that apart from increasing the number of urban greening areas, the Development Bureau was introducing in stages Greening Master Plans (GMP) in selected districts, formulating greening strategies as well as identifying greening themes and species to reflect district characteristics.
Mr Mak said, "We also plan to enhance greening measures in focal locations in the New Territories."
Mr Mak noted that apart from greening, urban design and town planning were indispensable elements in creating a better living environment for an international hub like Hong Kong.
He said, "To create a high quality and sustainable living environment, we have to fully consider the concept and principle of urban design and town planning when implementing works projects.”
"We will assess from different angles the impacts of the works projects on environment, economy and social culture, and focus on the basic design elements that would help reflect the fine tradition of Hong Kong," he added.
Mr Mak noted that the newly established Development Bureau would further improve the coordination, planning and implementation efficiency of works projects and expedite the implementation of infrastructural development and capital works programme to enhance the development of Hong Kong's economy.
The 10th Anniversary Memorial Garden in Kowloon Park is undertaken by the Development Bureau project to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Inside the garden are 50 Bauhinia Variegata trees, while its forecourt includes the design features of paving block pattern of 10 concentric rings, 10 lights and 10 stools.
Other officiating guests at today's ceremony were Legislative Councillor, Mr Raymond Ho, Chairman of Yau Tsim Mong District Council, Mr Henry Chan, Director of Architectural Services, Mr Yue Chi-hang and Acting Deputy Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mr Yau Kwok-yin.
Ends/Saturday, August 11, 2007
Issued at HKT 13:18
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