Fighting litter on land and sea
More than 80 public-spirited volunteers took part in the Beach Clean-up Activities 1999 at Clearwater Bay Second Beach, Sai Kung, earlier this month.
With the aim of raising public awareness about healthy living and cleaning up the beach, 40 Junior Police Call members joined Regional Services Department (RSD) staff in the litter clearing operation and made appeals to beach-goers to keep the beaches clean.
About 40 divers from the Hong Kong Underwater Association volunteered to clean up the seabed within the swimming area while maintenance contractors for shark nets in Sai Kung district were asked to remove refuse trapped in the nets.
The clean-up was one of the activities tied in with the Healthy Living into the 21st Century Campaign which aims to upgrade the overall standard of cleanliness in the SAR through community involvement.
A spokesman from the RSD said: 'Mobilising volunteers in clean-up activities will increase their sense of belonging to these areas.
'The public go to beaches after work or school. Thus it is important to remember our slogan - Treasure our beaches and recreation areas, we all benefit from a clean environment.' Apart from organising a series of clean-ups, the department has also stepped up action against litterbugs.
Anyone who litters is liable to a maximum fine of $25,000 and six months' imprisonment.
