This course aims at providing students with an overall view on nature conservation in general and Hong Kong in particular. The concepts and principles of nature conservation will be examined, followed by an investigation of nature conservation policy and practices in Hong Kong. The latter shall include legislation, designation and management of country and marine parks as well as other protected areas. Uses of and threats to protected areas as well as possible enhancement/mitigation measures will be addressed alongside comparison with overseas experiences. The course provides a framework for students to look at nature conservation from the ecological, environmental and socio-cultural perspectives. The development of nature conservation in response to globalization and climate change will also be highlighted. Students should be able to achieve the following at the end of the course:
Understand the concepts and principles of nature conservation at the global context;
Explain and discuss the nature conservation policy and practices in Hong Kong;
Explore the values and benefits of protected areas to the community;
Identify viable measures in conserving species, habitats or ecosystems in Hong Kong; and
Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of specific conservation policy and measures applicable to Hong Kong.
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