Some 38 per cent of Hong Kong's total land area has been designated as country parks and special areas for the purpose of nature conservation, outdoor recreation and nature education. The 23 country parks and 17 special areas provide extensive hiking trails, barbecue, picnic and camp sites and visitor centres which attracted over 12 million visitors in 2005.

There are four marine parks and one marine reserve for the conservation of marine life. In these marine parks, visitors may appreciate and receive educational information on the beauty and diversity of marine life in Hong Kong. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department manages the country parks, special areas, the marine parks and the marine reserve.