Lawmaker Ho Ion Sang asked the government about the current situation of preserving ancient trees in a written interpellation in August, with the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) replying that efforts are ongoing to enhance conservation measures.
Ho’s office sent copies of the bureau’s reply to the local media yesterday.
Ho underlined the fact that the bureau has actively promoted conservation efforts, however, while most old trees are managed by the bureau, many privately owned trees also require attention. Therefore, he urged the government to enhance communication with private owners to ensure their conservation duties are met.
Given Macau’s susceptibility to typhoons and ongoing urban development, Ho expressed concern over the risks these factors pose to the old trees’ environment, and asked about the bureau’s plans to effectively promote old tree conservation through educational initiatives, exhibitions, and community engagement.
Ho also enquired about enhancing collaboration with other regions and applying advanced technology to improve the monitoring and protection of old trees.
The bureau said in its reply that it has commenced cooperation with scientific research institutes in Guangdong Province to enhance its technical capability in the maintenance of old trees, as well as the prevention and control of pests and diseases, through regular exchanges with mainland experts.
The bureau has also set up a tree management system to record the condition of each old tree, formulate an inspection mechanism and maintenance measures in light of the respective condition of its health, and actively utilise technological means to monitor its state of health.
The bureau underlined that it has been actively providing technical support to other government entities or private old tree owners, and also has sent letters to appeal to the owners to take precautionary measures before the typhoon and rainy seasons.
In addition, the bureau said it had continued to promote the conservation of old trees through various means, including its annual Green Week activities and community exhibitions.
Lawmaker Ho Ion Sang poses in an undated profile photo provided by his office yesterday.
