Green Island, Hong Kong

Lighthouse compound The buildings of the Green Island Lighthouse Compound were declared as monuments in 2008. The historic buildings include the two lighthouses built in 1875 and 1905, former European quarters and a former keeper's house. The two lighthouses and the European quarters were previously individually listed as Grade II historic buildings. The first lighthouse, tall and constructed of granite, began operation on 1 July 1875. There are two cross-shaped openings on its wall for ventilation and lighting. The openings resemble gun-posts like those found in medieval European castles. These are of the same construction as those found on the Cape Collinson Lighthouse at Siu Sai Wan, Hong Kong Island. It was later disused in 1905 because the building was too small to carry the lens from the Cape D'Aguilar Lighthouse. == Flora and fauna ==

The island is densely covered with woodland and tall scrub. A total of 150 plant species and a large variety of butterfly species has been found. One ant species not previously found elsewhere in Hong Kong was recorded on Green Island. The locally rare reef egret and white-bellied sea eagle have been seen on the island. == Air traffic ==

Green Island is an important reporting point for location aviation in Hong Kong for entry to Victoria Harbour by air. All local traffic flying into or out of the harbour must report overhead Green Island. As the harbour is quite narrow and aviation traffic can be heavy at times due to the large number of helicopters and light aircraft, Green Island can also act as a holding point before permission to enter is granted by air traffic control. == Weather station ==

In 1989, an automatic weather station was built on Green Island by the Hong Kong Observatory. It is the first weather station in Victoria Harbour to be powered by both solar and wind energy. The station is provides warning of tropical cyclone and monsoon to ships traveling in and out of the harbour. == Shelved reclamation plan ==

In the 1990s, the Hong Kong Government proposed reclaiming approximately of land from Sulphur Channel to provide accommodation for a population of 103,465 and more road infrastructure. This included a coastal highway from Kennedy Town to Aberdeen (then called Route 7) and a fourth cross-harbour tunnel to a proposed container port at North Lantau. This proposal was shelved due to strong opposition from environmental concern groups. == See also ==