In recent years, members of the public have taken the initiative to report to us probable tree problems in their community. They want us to take swift action to check the trees for structural problems or the risk of falling, and to give proper care to ensure the good health and survival of the trees. Except in the case of urgent removal of trees damaged by bad weather, we will fell trees only after carefully taking all the relevant factors into account, with public safety as our prime consideration.
We understand that the community treasures the trees and green belts in Hong Kong. To carry out tree risk management effectively and to establish a database, we are conducting a roadside tree survey in the 18 districts across the territory. So far, we have completed the survey in seven districts, namely Wan Chai District, Central and Western District, Southern District, Eastern District, Yau Tsim Mong District, Kwun Tong District and Sham Shui Po District. A total of 300 problem trees have been identified and referred to the relevant departments for follow-up action. The survey for the remaining districts is due to complete in 2013-14.
Of the 1 100 square kilometres of land area in Hong Kong, 67 per cent is woodland, scrubland and grassland located mainly in the country parks. Our green environment is the result of years of careful planning and proper management. For example, our works departments will enhance greening under appropriate circumstances when carrying out new public works projects such as road and drain works, slope stabilisation and other construction works.
Over the years, we have adopted an integrated approach to assigning the responsibility for preserving and maintaining all vegetation on government land among relevant departments. The approach has worked effectively. In 2010, we established the Greening, Landscape and Tree Management Section under the Works Branch to sustain the development of a greener environment in Hong Kong through a new and strategic policy on greening, landscaping and tree management.
We strive to enhance the quality of our living environment by carrying out greening work as well as managing and preserving trees and plants properly. In addition, we extend the urban green belts, beautify the existing green areas, and improve the opportunities for quality greening in the planning and development of public works projects.
To further promote greening, we encourage the general public and the private sector to participate in our work on greening, landscaping and tree management with particular emphasis on public education and community engagement. The “Be Our Greening Partner” Campaign, which is our major promotional project this year, aims to encourage organisations and individuals to sign up to the Greening Partner Charter and commit themselves to the common goal of promoting a quality green environment and tree management in Hong Kong.
We believe that, through a series of activities including talks on community tree surveillance, seminars on landscape design, tree appreciation tours and guided tours of Old and Valuable Trees, the community will develop a caring attitude towards our rich greenery and have a better knowledge of tree management. Moreover, such events can also help the public better manage the trees on private property and identify and report problem trees in the community to the relevant departments, thus enabling us to take appropriate action immediately to reduce the risks of tree collapse and potential losses.
Furthermore, we published a "Tree and Landscape Map" series last year to promote the understanding and appreciation of trees and green spaces in Hong Kong. This year, the Greening, Landscape and Tree Management Teaching Kit was published for the use of secondary school students to increase their awareness of the issue.
Currently, we are preparing a new set of illustrated handbooks on plants suitable for skyrise greening in Hong Kong with a view to promoting skyrise greening widely among public and private organisations.
In recent years, we have taken forward our district greening work systematically through the implementation of Greening Master Plans (GMPs). Over the past three years, green areas under the urban GMPs have increased by about nine hectares, most of which are located in Central and Western, Southern, Eastern, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon City, Wong Tai Sin and Kwun Tong Districts. At present, consultancy studies are being carried out for the GMPs for Sha Tin, Sai Kung, Tuen Mun, Yuen Long, Tsuen Wan, Kwai Tsing, Islands, Tai Po and North Districts. After the GMPs are formulated, we will determine the timetable for the proposed greening works, which are expected to take two to three years to complete.
Many international reports have shown that a green living environment is beneficial to psychological health. A greener neighbourhood promises higher satisfaction with life. As such, we will continue our efforts to promote tree preservation and greening and encourage the community to actively participate in our work.
9 June, 2013
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