Our country parks do indeed need protection and I wholeheartedly welcome Mei Ng's comment on proposed changes to the Country Parks Ordinance ('Parks under Siege', South China Morning Post, July 19). Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated places on earth, and as such, needs much more - not less - green area. In this light, property development in the country parks is particularly troublesome. Indigenous villagers are allowed, under the law, to renovate or rebuild their homes. However, it has never been clear just what constitutes an 'indigenous' person. In a particular case in Sai Kung, a person born in the UK who has never travelled to Hong Kong has applied to develop property by claiming to be an indigenous villager (based on family ties). Would the relevant government authority please specify the terms and conditions that determine if an individual is qualified to claim indigenous status? DAVID O'REAR Mid-Levels
