Are Hong Kong parks turning into residential sites?

If they are, then there will be 44,000 hectares more land for homes.

But according to a release, the Government has no plans to reduce the country parks' coverage and release land for residential development, Secretary for Development Carrie Lam says, adding the public attaches great importance to these parks.

In a written response to an enquiry from Legislator Albert Chan, Mrs Lam said country parks play an indispensable and vital role in nature conservation work by facilitating the Government’s efforts in managing and sustaining the natural resources that are of prime importance in maintaining biodiversity in the territory.

There are 24 country parks and 22 special areas in Hong Kong, covering about 44,000 hectares of land. They are protected by the Country Parks Ordinance for conservation and recreational purposes. These areas also provide important habitats for over 98% of the flora and fauna of Hong Kong, she said.