Ecological Conservation

146.         The Government shares public concern about ecological conservation. To take forward the Convention on Biological Diversity, we will consult the public in 2013 on the formulation of the Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Hong Kong. We will also emphasise conservation of land and marine ecologies in major government policies.

147.         To protect our marine ecosystem, the Government has prohibited trawling in Hong Kong waters. We will also set up a $500 million sustainable fisheries development fund to help fishermen adopt a sustainable and high value-added operation mode, and subsidise relevant programmes and research so as to enhance the overall competitiveness of the industry. Fishermen affected by the trawl ban will be among the beneficiaries. We will also establish a committee composed of government officials and trade representatives to advise on the use of the fund and ensure that it will meet the actual needs of the fisheries industry. The Secretary for Food and Health will announce the details in due course.

Contents | Next