Latest news with #AgricultureFisheriesConservationDepartment
South China Morning Post
13-07-2025
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong to add 3 more wheelchair-friendly trails in country parks next year
Hong Kong authorities plan to add three new wheelchair-friendly trails in country parks next year, but users and concern groups say that more should be done to enhance accessibility so more people with disabilities can enjoy nature. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said that the three routes would offer residents short distances and scenic spots. One is located at Lions Nature Education Centre, another is located at Plover Cove Country Park – Tai Mei Tuk and the Plover Cove Reservoir, while the third is located at Clear Water Bay Country Park – Tai Hang Tun. The paths are wide and paved, with barrier-free facilities, such as toilets and barbecue sites, designed for wheelchair users. They also feature electric wheelchair charging spots. The three new routes will complement the four existing long-distance trails designed for wheelchair users at country parks. 'Country parks are very diverse places. Most of the four routes we first launched cover longer distances … the three new ones are designed to introduce some small attractions,' Karen Po Ka-wai, country parks ranger services officer of special projects of the department, said.
South China Morning Post
05-07-2025
- Science
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong's feral pigeon population drops 11% in hotspots amid feeding ban
Hong Kong has recorded a roughly 11 per cent drop in the number of feral pigeons found at common gathering spots after an expanded no-feeding law took effect, according to authorities who are planning to use artificial intelligence (AI) patrol robots to enhance enforcement. The number of feral pigeons stood at about 12,090 during the first quarter of this year, down by about 11 per cent from around 13,520 in the previous three months, across 140 spots in the city where birds gathered or caused a nuisance, according to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. Food left by people for the birds was found at 30 of the 140 spots during the first three months of this year, down from 37 during the fourth quarter of 2024. The department carried out a citywide study over the two quarters, with researchers conducting on-site inspections and recording the number of feral pigeons spotted. 'As various departments continue to strengthen enforcement to combat illegal feeding activities, we expect the problem of feral pigeons gathering in urban areas and the nuisance they cause to continue to improve,' said Dr Jeremy Ho Hon-pong, senior veterinary officer of animal health at the department. The Wild Animals Protection (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 took effect on August 1 of last year, expanding the citywide prohibition on feeding wild animals to cover feral pigeons. The revised law is part of the city's efforts to curb illegal feeding activities and improve environmental hygiene.
South China Morning Post
01-06-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Spark Study Buddy (Explorer): MacLehose Trail marker removal sparks safety fears
Content provided by British Council [1] A video has surfaced online showing a man removing a distance marker on Hong Kong's MacLehose Trail. The act has upset many internet users. They are concerned that his actions could pose risks for hikers who might need emergency assistance. [2] The 21-second clip has been widely shared on the Chinese social media platform RedNote. It shows a man pulling up marker No. 148 along the Tai Mo Shan trail. While speaking in Mandarin, he says something that can be translated as 'I easily handled the MacLehose Trail.' He then lifts the pole onto his shoulder and jogs a short distance. [3] The man in the video also says: 'Goodbye to this 148, don't even think about taking photos here; I'm taking it away.' Later in the clip, he returns the marker to its original position and says: 'That was too tiring'. [4] The user had recently posted content referencing the MacLehose Trail. But this clip raised safety concerns. Distance posts are important markers that help hikers understand where they are and ensure rescuers can locate them during emergencies. [5] The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department stated that it had immediately dispatched staff to the location upon learning of the incident. 'We discovered that the base of distance post number M148 was loose. We have cordoned off the post and will arrange for repairs and reinforcement as soon as possible,' a department spokesman said. 'Regarding the online video, the department will follow up and conduct an investigation.' [6] Intentionally or carelessly damaging any installations, including distance posts and fences managed by the department within country parks or special areas, is a criminal offence. One can be fined up to HK$2,000 (approximately US$257) and face up to three months in jail. Ongoing damage can lead to an additional HK$100 fine per day. [7] In recent years, Hong Kong's scenic hiking trails have become increasingly popular among visitors from mainland China. The MacLehose Trail stretches nearly 100km across the New Territories. Source: South China Morning Post, May 11 Questions 1. What does 'the act' in paragraph 1 refer to? 2. According to what the man says in paragraph 3, why did he return the marker? 3. One of the primary purposes of distance posts is for hikers to ..., according to paragraph 4. A. get help quickly B. take photographs C. take rest D. find out how far they have walked 4. In paragraph 5, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said post number M148 needs to be … and … . A. repair; reinforces B. repairing; reinforce C. repaired; reinforced D. repairs; reinforcement 5. What is the maximum amount of time a person could go to jail for purposely damaging trail markers, according to paragraph 6? 6. Based on paragraph 7, the MacLehose Trail is almost 100km … A. deep. B. high. C. wide. D. long. Distance markers are very important on hiking trails, and it is against the law to damage them. Photo: Handout Answers 1. A man removing a distance marker from Hong Kong's MacLehose Trail. 2. It was too tiring carrying it. (accept all similar answers) 3. A 4. C 5. three months 6. D
