Secretary for the Environment Edward Yau (right) accompanies Chief Executive Donald Tsang (second right) on a tour of the geopark.[news.gov.hk]

The Hong Kong government Tuesday held an opening ceremony for the Hong Kong National Geopark.

Speaking at the ceremony, Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang said, "Hong Kong has rich geological resources of high academic research, tourism and scenic value. I am glad that the Ministry of Land and Resources has granted us national geopark status."

The National Geopark Assessment Committee has conducted a complete assessment on the establishment and management of Hong Kong Geopark and approved it meeting all the requirements of National Geopark Status in Beijing in September, 2009.

Hong Kong Geopark, which covers about 5,000 hectares, is made up of eight geo-areas distributed across the Northeast New Territories Sedimentary Rock Region and Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region.

By joining the national geopark network, Hong Kong can gain and exchange experience on preservation of valuable geological and topographical resources, promote public awareness of earth science and foster the development of eco-tourism, according to Tsang.

To celebrate the opening of the geopark and to raise public understanding and awareness of geo-conservation, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department will organize a series of educational activities.

The department has also launched a new dedicated website which provides the public with the latest news, information about geography and rocks, safety codes for visiting the geopark, and other information.