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Hong Kong’s Countryside and Natural Resources
HomeLeave No TraceHong Kong’s Countryside and Natural Resources

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Land

 

Hong Kong is located at the northern edge of the tropics, with a subtropical climate. Approximately 60% of its land is natural slopes, and it boasts over 200 outlying islands. Despite its small size of around 1,114 square kilometers, Hong Kong is a city with over 70% of its land covered in natural “green spaces.” Taiwanese naturalist writer Liu Ke-shiang refers to this as “three-quarters of Hong Kong.” This includes 25 designated country parks and 22 special areas protected under the Country Parks Ordinance, covering about 40% of the total land area of Hong Kong.

The main types of rock in Hong Kong are granite and volcanic rock, each having different weathering characteristics and giving rise to distinct geological landscapes.

 

Sea

 

Hong Kong is also a coastal city, with a total marine area of 1,650 square kilometers. The eastern waters face the South China Sea and are influenced by seasonal currents and monsoons, while the western waters are affected by freshwater runoff from the Pearl River estuary. As of 2023, seven marine parks and one marine reserve have been established and are protected under the Marine Parks Ordinance.

 

Hong Kong’s Biodiversity

 

Despite its tiny size and high population density, Hong Kong has numerous beautiful landscapes and high biodiversity. This is attributed to the favourable natural conditions provided by the climate, geographical location, and the collective efforts of past and present generations in protecting these precious natural resources:

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>3300Kind

Vascular plants

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55Kind

Land mammals

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580Kind

Birds

IMG_7205

245Kind

Butterflies

original

133Kind

Dragonflies

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90Kind

Reptiles

IMG_1442

25Kind

Amphibians

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196Kind

Freshwater fish

 

(Data as of August 2024, source: Hong Kong Biodiversity Online)

 

 

 

The Role and Function of Country Parks

 

According to the book “30 Years of Country Parks” published by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), environmental protection emerged as a global trend as early as the 1960s. Since then, many countries have established national parks.

 

1965

 

Representing the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), L.M. Talbot and M.H. Talbot conducted research for the AFCD and published the “Conservation of the Hong Kong Countryside” report. This report suggested potential areas in Hong Kong that could be designated as country parks.

 

1967

 

Sir David Clive Crosbie Trench, the then Governor of Hong Kong, appointed the “Provisional Commission on the Use and Conservation of Countryside” to comprehensively study the proposal for establishing country parks.

 

1971

 

Sir Murray MacLehose, a hiking enthusiast, assumed office as Governor of Hong Kong. With his strong support, the “Country Parks Ordinance” officially came into effect in August 1976, leading to the establishment of several country parks. The three main purposes of these parks are to protect natural ecosystems, provide recreational and educational facilities.

 

In addition to serving as a backyard and a place for relaxation for the fast-paced Hong Kong people, country parks play a crucial role in maintaining ecological value. This includes providing habitats for wildlife, preserving biodiversity, conserving water resources, stabilising freshwater supplies, cooling urban areas with green forest belts, and contributing to climate balance.

 

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Hong Kong's Trail Resources

 

To explore Hong Kong’s countryside, one would typically start by searching for suitable hiking trails. Currently, there are over 500 kilometres of well-maintained hiking trails in the country parks, managed by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD):

 

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（Data as of August 2024, source: Enjoy Hiking）

 

Why “Leave No Trace”?

 

 

 

Reference:

  1. Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (2007). 30 Years of Country Parks. Hong Kong: Cosmos Books Ltd.
  2. CHEUNG Chi-fai (2016). Country Parks and Protected Areas in Hong Kong. Hong Kong: Research Office, Legislative Council of HKSAR. Retrieved from https://www.legco.gov.hk/research-publications/english/essentials-1617ise06-country-parks-and-protected-areas-in-hong-kong.htm
  3. Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department website. Retrieved from https://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/index.html