Our geo-wonders — National Geopark

Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department

DESPITE its humble geographic size of only 1,108 square kilometres, Hong Kong boasts great geodiversity, which deserves cherishing and protection. Although Hong Kong has made remarkable achievements in nature conservation over the years, the public in general is not familiar with the concept of geo-conservation.

Fascinating sedimentary rock formations in .

As countries around the world began to place of these new facilities and other preparations are more emphasis on geo-conservation in recent years attributed to the efforts and enthusiasm of AFCD and recognise the importance of geodiversity as an staff in ensuring the quality output of their work. indispensable element in nature conservation, the concept of conserving our landscapes and geological Collaboration and support from other attractions started to flourish. This gave rise to the government departments, environmental idea of establishing a geopark in Hong Kong. organisations, tertiary institutions, locals and professionals have been important in the The Chief Executive in his 2008-09 Policy preparation stage. Apart from setting up a task Address announced that Hong Kong would set up force with representatives from different a geopark under the Country Parks Ordinance and professions to provide advice on the nomination Marine Parks Ordinance. Preparation works in many of the Hong Kong Geopark to become a national aspects commenced soon afterwards, among which geopark, AFCD has also, with the help of was the application to the Ministry of Land and environmental organisations and locals, established Resources for listing the geopark of Hong Kong as a geoheritage centres at Sam Mun Tsai and Lai Chi Wo national geopark. to promote geo-conservation to the public.

To this end, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) had to undertake a number of preparation tasks, including facilities planning, frontline management, staff training, knowledge building, publicity and education. In 2009, AFCD was heavily engaged in preparations, especially in the areas of education and publicity. New visitor and education facilities were established in different geo-areas, including the geo-trails at the Reservoir East Dam and , and the outdoor Rock Academy at Lions Nature Education Centre in Tsiu Hang, Sai Kung. Completion AFCD staff producing the Geopark sign. 12 Interpretative panel explaining the formation of volcanic rocks in the Hong Kong National Geopark.

To further enhance knowledge building among Government, as well as representatives from frontline staff, AFCD invited a number of geological UNESCO and other global geoparks. specialists from the Mainland to provide staff training. To promote science popularisation, AFCD The Hong Kong National Geopark covers a in collaboration with local and Mainland geologists land area of 50km2 in the Eastern New Territories. has produced a series of field guides and organised It consists of two regions with a total of eight a number of training seminars and workshops for geo-areas. The Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region primary and secondary school teachers. mainly displays the spectacular hexagonal volcanic columns and includes the High Island Geo-Area, To give visitors, tourists and other geoparks a Sharp Island Geo-Area, Ninepin Group deeper understanding of the Hong Kong National Geo-Area and Ung Kong Group Geo-Area. Geopark, AFCD has produced a representative The large coverage of over 100km2 and an logo with design concept originating from the average diameter of 1.2 metres allow the world-class hexagonal volcanic columns. The logo columns to rival similar ones in the world both consists of eight hexagonal columns, representing in scale and composition. The Northeast New the eight geo-areas of the Hong Kong National Territories Sedimentary Rock Region includes Geopark. Each column has its unique size and the Tung Ping Chau Geo-Area, Double Haven colour representing the unique geological features Geo-Area, Tolo Channel Geo-Area and Port of each specific geo-area. The Hong Kong National Island-Bluff Head Geo-Area. It displays the most Geopark also has its own theme song entitled “Close complete stratigraphy of sedimentary rocks in to You”. In addition to conveying the message about Hong Kong, ranging from Devonian sandstone geo-conservation, the song also lists the major merit and conglomerate about 400 million years old of the Hong Kong National Geopark, namely, that to Tertiary siltstone 55 million years old. it is a geopark located within the metropolis of Hong Kong. In 2010, AFCD will continue to improve various planning and management works for the Hong On November 3, 2009, the Hong Kong National Kong National Geopark, promote collaboration Geopark opening ceremony was held at the with other geoparks on the Mainland and around High Island Reservoir East Dam. Guests included the world, and solicit participation and support officials from the Ministry of Land and Resources from the public in an effort to become a member and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the Global Geopark Network. 13