Year 2013-14 has been a fulfilling year for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (the Department).聽 We continued to peform effectively various functions relating to the prevention of avian influenza, conservation of our natural environment and beautiful countryside, development of agriculture and fisheries, implementation of animal management policy and promotion of animal welfare.
In early 2014, a batch of imported live poultry was confirmed as infected with H7 avian influenza. As a result, all live poultry, both local and imported, at the Cheung Sha Wan Temporary Wholesale Poultry Market was culled and the wholesale market was closed temporarily. The incident amply demonstrated the readiness of the Department in the execution of the contingency plan for the prevention, surveillance and control of infected poultry from entering the community.
On the protection of endangered species, with the endorsement of the Endangered Species Advisory Committee, the Department commenced a programme to dispose of the confiscated ivory in the Government stockpile by incineration. With this programme, we sent an unequivocal message, both locally and internationally, to all parties concerned that Hong Kong is determined to curb illicit trade in ivory.聽 The phased disposal programme is expected to complete by mid-2015.
Besides, we are also taking forward the amendments to the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance in order to bring the species newly added to the appendices to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora under the protection of local legislation.
We are equally keen to protect the local species and to sustain the rich biodiversity of Hong Kong. 聽During the year, we have moved full steam ahead with the preparation of Hong Kong’s first Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (BSAP).聽 Public consultation on the draft BSAP will be launched in 2015.
Country parks, drawing 11.07 million visitors last year, remained popular destinations for the public for leisure. On 30 December 2013, three enclaves at Tai Long Sai Wan, Kam Sham and Yuen Tun were incorporated into respective country parks.聽As one of the enhancements to country park facilities, a new mountain bike trail is being built on the northern side of Tin Fu Tsai in Tai Lam Country Park. It will be the longest and toughest sustainable trail when completed in 2015.
During the year, Hong Kong Global Geopark of China held the first Asia-Pacific Geotourism Conference and the Knowledge Sharing Workshop for Asia-Pacific Geopark Managers. It also signed agreements with the Messel Pit World Heritage Site and the Unzen Volcanic Area Global Geopark to promote collaboration and exchange. With preparatory work entering the final stage, the Volcano Discovery Centre will soon open to the public.
On the ban on trawling, the Inter-departmental Working Group has completed the processing of applications for ex-gratia allowance to affected trawler vessel owners during the year.聽 It will continue to process the applications for one-off assistance by local deckhands and voluntary buy-out scheme for inshore trawlers.聽 To enforce the ban and combat illegal fishing activities, the Department continued to work closely with other law enforcement bodies and mounted a number of joint operations during the year.
To help conserve global marine resources, the Department proposed to introduce a control scheme for the trading of toothfish.聽 The scheme would enable Hong Kong to join the international effort in alleviating the exploitation of the species.聽 Consultation with stakeholders is underway.
On agricultural support, the Department continued to promote the cultivation of premium-grade vegetables. In the year, four improved varieties, namely long green pepper, green pak choi, orange-yellow-flesh watermelon and non-netted sweet melon were introduced to farmers for production. To help farmers expand sales network and promote premium local produce, the Department co-organise the FARMFEST 2014, at which about 300 stalls showcased a wide variety of local agricultural and fishery products. The event was well-received and attracted more than l80,000 visitors.
Education and publicity have always been in important focus of our work. The Wetland Park, the Country Parks, the Geopark and the Marine Parks held different educational programmes for various categories of visitors during the year to drive home the message of nature conservation. Another focus of public education was to enhance the public awareness of being a responsible pet owner.聽 To this end, the Department organised a range of activities such as carnivals, pet adoption days, seminars, roving exhibitions, in addition to producing a Roadshow TV programme, setting up a youtube channel and revamping relevant website.
I would like to express my sincere thanks to my colleagues for their dedication in responding proactively to the ever-changing demands of the community. There are many challenges ahead but I am confident that we will pull ourselves together as a team and continue to serve the community in a professional manner.
Alan Wong Chi-kong
Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation