SCMP, May 7, 2001: A policy on conserving trees will be formulated after public consultation at the end of the year, the Environmental Protection Department said.
The move comes after green groups criticised the Government for cutting down trees unnecessarily for development projects.
A department spokesman said: 'The aim is to conserve and enhance our natural environment by protecting conservation areas and heritage features.'
Conservancy Association secretary-general Lister Cheung Lai-ping said lack of a policy on tree preservation left officials to make their own decisions.
'The care they show towards tree conservation is superficial,' she said. 'They will do something only after there are complaints. There is no clear guideline telling them how to treat trees that are affected by development.'
Ms Cheung said many developers cut down trees to save time and money, and in some cases for fung shui reasons. The association will launch a study this year to locate trees with scientific, historical or religious significance.