Green peace: Secretary for Home Affairs Patrick Ho says mass planting of trees and shrubs helps improve the quality of life for all Hong Kong residents. Photo Gallery

Massive planting of trees and shrubs and projects aimed at conserving existing flora help enrich the quality of life for all Hong Kong residents, the Secretary for Home Affairs says.

Speaking at the opening of  the Hong Kong Flower Show 2003 at Victoria Park, Dr Patrick Ho said the Chief Executive had repeatedly emphasised the need to intensify greening efforts in Hong Kong.

Greening projects aim to boost the amount of green areas in the urban districts and raise the standard and quality of existing green areas, he said. Seizing every opportunity for greening in the planning and development stages of public-works projects is a top priority.

Dr Ho stressed that  planting more gardens can help boost local community economies and create more job opportunities.

In addition, he noted, it can also help enhance our city's aesthetic value and charm, foster community building, and enrich citizen's knowledge of horticulture, greening and nature.