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Hong Kong Geopark retains global status

Xinhua, September 19, 2015 Adjust font size:

Hong Kong Global Geopark of China has successfully passed revalidation and will continue to be a member of the Global Geoparks Network (GGN), the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of Hong Kong said in a press release on Saturday.

The GGN, which is supported by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization announced on Saturday the continuation of Hong Kong's geopark membership at the 4th Asia- Pacific Geoparks Network San'in Kaigan Symposium in Japan.

The Hong Kong Geopark was admitted as a member of the GGN in September 2011 and was officially renamed as the Hong Kong Global Geopark of China. It is required to undergo revalidation every four years. The process seeks to review the work progress in various aspects of the Geopark and to ensure its compliance with the quality of global geoparks.

During a visit to Hong Kong in June, GGN assessors visited the geo-sites in the Geopark.

A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department welcomed the revalidation result. He said the department will continue to facilitate the sustainable development of geo-tourism, geology education and geological heritage, with a view to protecting the rich geological resources of Hong Kong.

The spokesman noted that facilities and transportation would be enhanced and geo-tourism would be promoted to attract visitors, taking into account the carrying capacity of the Geopark.

Located in the northeastern part of Hong Kong, the Geopark comprises eight geo-areas in two regions, namely the Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region and the Northeast New Territories Sedimentary Rock Region.

The Geopark provides various facilities for visitors to learn more about geo-features and geo-conservation, including the Volcano Discovery Center, visitor centers, geo-heritage centers and more than 10 geo-tour routes. Endi