ENG-2010 — Page 492

414 Recreation, Sport and the Arts

There are four marine parks and one marine reserve for the conservation of marine life. In these marine parks, visitors may enjoy and learn about the beauty and diversity of marine life in Hong Kong. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department manages the country parks, special areas, marine parks, marine reserve, the Hong Kong Wetland Park and Hong Kong National Geopark.

Hong Kong National Geopark

The Hong Kong National Geopark covers a land area of 5 000 hectares. 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 education programme to enhance public 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 2010, the park attracted over 440 000 visitors. The park also organised various education and publicity programmes such as the 'Insect Chorus' 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 2010 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 850 schools and kindergartens took part in a 'Greening School Subsidy Scheme' 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 1 120 schools participated in a 'One Person, One Flower' programme. Gloxinia seedlings were given to students to plant at home or in their schools.