2006-07 was a dynamic and fruitful year for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD).  Many new initiatives and measures were implemented with encouraging results.

The Hong Kong Wetland Park was opened in May 2006. The park is our first major ecotourism facility aimed at promoting green tourism, education on environmental protection and wetland conservation.  It was also the venue of the 17th International Symposium of Odonatology.

On the fisheries front, trials on the hatching of imported fertilised eggs of jade perch and rearing of the fry were very successful. Locally born and homegrown jade perch have been marketed under the Accredited Fish Farm Scheme since 2006, further enhancing the competitiveness of the local aquaculture industry as well as enriching the choice for local consumers.

The Department also continued to provide technical support to local organic and accredited crop farms to help enhance their competitiveness and further develop their market. The quality agricultural and fishery products were featured in FarmFest 2007, the biggest farmers' market ever staged in Hong Kong, which attracted more than 120 000 visitors.

The Department’s avian influenza surveillance programme saw the collection of debilitated and dead birds for avian influenza testing in our veterinary laboratory, regular testing of faecal samples from bird parks and markets throughout Hong Kong as well as collaboration with the Mainland counterparts and authorities in the rest of Asia. 

The Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, replacing the Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance, came into operation in December 2006. More endangered species are now on the protection list, including humphead wrasse, certain freshwater turtles and agarwood, in line with the latest changes to the lists of controlled species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

The Department busily prepared for the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events throughout the year. A dedicated division was set up to oversee and administer all quarantine, welfare and related administrative issues for the smooth running of the upcoming Equestrian Events.

We continued to manage our scenic country and marine parks for the enjoyment of local people and overseas visitors alike. In addition, we pressed ahead with much publicity and education work in 2006-07.

These are just a few examples.  The following chapters set out our work during the year in greater detail.