The lawful traditional rights and interests of the indigenous inhabitants of the _________ shall be protected by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The phrase "indigenous inhabitants" directly correlates with the context of the "New Territories" in Hong Kong. The Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region explicitly protects the lawful traditional rights and interests of these indigenous groups, which are primarily located in the New Territories. This legal framework acknowledges the unique cultural and historical significance of these communities and aims to ensure their rights are preserved within the region's governance structure.

In contrast, the terms "urban areas" and "rural areas" do not specifically pertain to the distinct rights of indigenous inhabitants as recognized in the legal text. The "Old Territories" is not a term recognized in the context of Hong Kong's governance or the Basic Law, further reinforcing that the New Territories is the accurate reference for indigenous rights protection. Therefore, the correct choice reflects the specific legal and cultural context in which these rights are safeguarded.