Director’s Message

On behalf of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, I am pleased to provide a sketch of our major achievements in 2014-15, which is a busy yet fruitful year for the Department.

On agriculture, the Government launched in late 2014 a public consultation exercise on a new policy seeking to facilitate the modernisation and sustainable development of agriculture in Hong Kong. During the three-month consultation period, more than 1,100 proposals have been received. It was encouraging that the public generally supported the overall direction of the new agricultural policy and various new initiatives such as the establishment of an Agri-Park and a Sustainable Agricultural Development Fund. In the year, the Department continued to provide technical support to farmers, help them expand their sales network and promote local premium produce. The two improved varieties, namely organic papaya and milky pakchoi, introduced to farmers for production were well-received by consumers.

On fisheries, the Department is committed to facilitating the fishermen to switch to more sustainable modes of operation. The Sustainable Fisheries Development Fund was open for application in July 2014 and the vetting of applications has made steady progress. Two projects, involving a commitment capped at $8.7 million, have been approved in the year. We expect the projects to bring new impetus and benefits to the industry as a whole. Besides, approval of the Legislative Council Finance Committee has been obtained for an increase of the approved commitment for the Fisheries Development Loan Fund to $1,100 million to meet the demand. During the year, the Department continued to promote good aquaculture practices, safeguarding the aquaculture environment and implement the fisheries management measures.

In December 2014, a consignment of imported live poultry was confirmed as infected with H7 avian influenza. In accordance with established biosecurity procedures, all live poultry at the Cheung Sha Wan Temporary Wholesale Poultry Market was culled and the wholesale market was closed for 21 days. The Ta Kwu Ling check point was then activated and the operation was generally smooth. While the risk of avian influenza was controlled, the arrangement enabled a limited supply of live chickens to meet market demand and minimized the impact on the trade.

On the protection of endangered species, the phased disposal of confiscated ivory by incineration started in May 2014. The incineration of the first batch of ivory was witnessed by the Secretary-General of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the Executive Director General of China CITES Office, as well as consulates and non-governmental organisations concerned with the protection of endangered species especially elephants. It sent an unequivocal message that Hong Kong is determined to curb illicit trade in ivory. The disposal has been on schedule and is expected to complete by mid 2016. Ivory confiscated in the future will also be incinerated regularly. In addition, we will continue to take stringent enforcement against illicit trade in other endangered species.

With rich resources for eco-tourism and recreational activities, the country parks attracted some 11.73 million visitors last year. The incorporation of enclaves at Fan Kei Tok and Sai Lau Kong into the Plover Cove Country Park, and a site near Nam Shan into the Lantau South Country Park was being pursued.

The Volcano Discovery Centre, conveniently located on the Sai Kung promenade and served as a gateway to the Geopark, was opened officially in July 2014. During the year, Hong Kong also signed sister geopark and cooperation arrangements with the Lesvos Global Geopark of Greece and the Aso Global Geopark of Japan respectively to consolidate the cooperative relationship with our geopark partners.

On animal management, a three-year trial programme of Trap-Neuter-Release for stray dogs has been rolled out in Cheung Chau and Tai Tong of Yuen Long in January 2015.  We will closely monitor the progress of the programme.

Education and publicity have always been an important focus of our work. The Wetland Park, the Geopark, the country parks and the marine parks launched a wide variety of 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 responsible pet ownership.  To this end, the Department continued to organise various activities such as carnivals, pet adoption days, seminars, roving exhibitions, in addition to producing a Roadshow TV programme, and maintaining a youtube channel.

This is the last time I write the message for the departmental report before my retirement. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues for their professionalism and commitment to providing quality service to the community. Despite the challenges ahead, I am sure they will continue to work in earnest to respond to the demand of the society.

Alan Wong
Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation