Heritage boost: Secretary for Development Carrie Lam opens the publicity campaign on heritage conservation.

Secretary for Development Carrie Lam says new policy initiatives will be introduced and partnerships built with non-governmental organisations to enhance heritage conservation work.

The Government's policy initiatives include conducting heritage impact assessments for new capital works projects, partnering with NGOs to revitalise Government-owned historic buildings, using economic incentives to encourage owners of privately-owned antiquities to preserve their buildings, and forming the Commissioner for Heritage's Office.

Launching the heritage conservation publicity campaign at the Heritage Discovery Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui today Mrs Lam said these Government efforts will only succeed with public support.

She said she was encouraged by the positive response to the Revitalising Historic Buildings through Partnership Scheme which will launch after Legislative Council funding approval in February. Eligible NGOs will then be invited to submit revitalisation proposals.

The bureau is launching a public awareness campaign on heritage conservation in the next three months including exhibitions, seminars and guided tours to enhance appreciation of Hong Kong's heritage. Highlights include a guided tour of the Yuen Long Ping Shan local heritage, a photo competition on Hong Kong's historic buildings and exhibitions in seven shopping centres.

The heritage conservation exhibition starts today at the Heritage Discovery Centre until March showing conservation measures and works, and introducing successful examples of revitalised historic buildings.

"We hope through this campaign the public will have a deeper understanding of the importance of heritage conservation, be inspired to contribute their views and ideas, and share our vision for heritage conservation," Mrs Lam said.

For more details visit the new heritage conservation website.