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More than 100,000 shrubs and trees will be planted in the 18 districts in the next two months to mark the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Speaking at the launch ceremony for the Eastern District Tree Planting Day at the Siu Sai Wan Road Garden today (April 4), the Acting Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Donald Tong said the tree planting programme was the most popular district greening activity, through which public green awareness was promoted while encouraging people to support greening.
"The active participation of the community will strengthen the building of a sustainable green living environment and enhances our sense of belonging to the community," Mr Tong said.
More than 3,000 shrubs and trees, including Bauhinia Blakeana, Lagerstroemia Speciosa, Ixora Williamsii "Sunkist" and Zephyranthes Grandiflora, were planted today by 350 10-year-old students from 22 primary schools in the Eastern district.
The Tree Planting and Greening Project, a joint tree planting programme with the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, Home Affairs Department, community groups and local schools, will be held in April and May, as one of the major celebration events for the 10th anniversary. Apart from today's ceremony, the programme also includes other district tree planting events supported by relevant district offices.
Appealing for public participation, Mr Tong said it took 10 years to grow trees but 100 to grow people. "To nurture a green generation, we should start at home. You don't need to be horticulture veterans to nurture plants. We all can help make Hong Kong a greener and healthier place to live in the decades to come.”
Also present at the ceremony were the Chairman of the Environment and Hygiene Committee of the Eastern District Council, Mr Chung Shu-kun; the Eastern District Officer, Mr Herman Cho; the Eastern District Leisure Manager of Leisure and Cultural Services Department, Mr Siu Yau-kwong; and the Chief Project Manager of Architectural Services Department, Mrs Celina Kwok.
Ends/Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Issued at HKT 15:04
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