Recreation, Sport and the Arts 409
Hong Kong National Geopark
The Hong Kong National Geopark, which covers a land area of 5 000 hectares, was opened on November 3, 2009. It includes two regions covering eight geo-areas, each with its unique geological features. The Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region displays spectacular hexagonal volcanic rock columns, which are considered world class both in terms of size and coverage. The Northeast New Territories Sedimentary Rock Region represents the most comprehensive stratigraphy of sedimentary rocks in Hong Kong, ranging from Devonian sandstone and conglomerate of about 400 million years of age to Tertiary siltstone of 65 million years old.
With the setting up of the geopark, Hong Kong's valuable geological resources will be better preserved and protected. The Government will continue its publicity and educational programme to raise public understanding and awareness of geoconservation.
Hong Kong Wetland Park
The 61-hectare Hong Kong Wetland Park is a special area designated under the Country Parks Ordinance. Located in the northern part of Tin Shui Wai and the southern tip of the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site, it is a venue for promoting wetland conservation, education and ecotourism in Hong Kong.
The park gives visitors the opportunity to appreciate wetlands and the wildlife of Hong Kong in an open and natural setting. In 2009, the park attracted over 440 000 visitors. The park also organised various educational and publicity programmes such as the Dragonfly Festival and Bird Watching Festival to cultivate awareness of wetland conservation.
Green Promotion/Initiatives
Green Hong Kong Campaign
Various community and educational activities were organised in 2009 to enhance public awareness of the importance of 'greening' the environment. These activities were carried out under different programmes such as the Green Volunteer Scheme, Community Planting Day, Greening Hong Kong Activities Subsidy Scheme and promotional talks.
More than 820 schools and kindergartens took part in a Greening School Subsidy Scheme formed to promote environmentally friendly initiatives. The scheme. provided an opportunity for students to try their hand at gardening under the guidance of their teachers and LCSD staff. About 360 000 students from over 1 100 schools participated in a 'One Person, One Flower' programme. Dianthus seedlings. were given to students to plant at home or in their schools.
The LCSD's Community Garden Programme was carried out in all the scheme's 18 districts. It provides for one community garden to be built in each district except Southern District, which has two. Forty-four gardening courses were conducted during the year, attended by 9 410 participants. A total of 27 tree planting activities were organised by the districts, attracting an attendance of over 9 640.