AFCD staff producing the Geopark sign.

As countries around the world began to place more emphasis on geo-conservation in recent years and recognise the importance of geodiversity as an indispensable element in nature conservation, the concept of conserving our landscapes and geological attractions started to flourish. This gave rise to the idea of establishing a geopark in Hong Kong.

The Chief Executive in his 2008-09 Policy Address announced that Hong Kong would set up a geopark under the Country Parks Ordinance and Marine Parks Ordinance. Preparation works in many aspects commenced soon afterwards, among which was the application to the Ministry of Land and Resources for listing the geopark of Hong Kong as a national geopark.

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 High Island Reservoir East Dam and Sharp Island, and the outdoor Rock Academy at Lions Nature Education Centre in Tsiu Hang, Sai Kung. Completion of these new facilities and other preparations are attributed to the efforts and enthusiasm of AFCD staff in ensuring the quality output of their work.

Collaboration and support from other government departments, environmental organisations, tertiary institutions, locals and professionals have been important in the preparation stage. Apart from setting up a task force with representatives from different professions to provide advice on the nomination of the Hong Kong Geopark to become a national geopark, AFCD has also, with the help of environmental organisations and locals, established geoheritage centres at Sam Mun Tsai and Lai Chi Wo to promote geo-conservation to the public.

To further enhance knowledge building among frontline staff, AFCD invited a number of geological specialists from the Mainland to provide staff training. To promote science popularisation, AFCD in collaboration with local and Mainland geologists has produced a series of field guides and organised a number of training seminars and workshops for primary and secondary school teachers.

To give visitors, tourists and other geoparks a deeper understanding of the Hong Kong National Geopark, AFCD has produced a representative logo with design concept originating from the world-class hexagonal volcanic columns. The logo consists of eight hexagonal columns, representing the eight geo-areas of the Hong Kong National Geopark. Each column has its unique size and colour representing the unique geological features of each specific geo-area. The Hong Kong National Geopark also has its own theme song entitled “Close to You”. In addition to conveying the message about geo-conservation, the song also lists the major merit of the Hong Kong National Geopark, namely, that it is a geopark located within the metropolis of Hong Kong.

On November 3, 2009, the Hong Kong National Geopark opening ceremony was held at the High Island Reservoir East Dam. Guests included officials from the Ministry of Land and Resources and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, as well as representatives from UNESCO and other global geoparks.

The Hong Kong National Geopark covers a land area of 50km² in the Eastern New Territories. It consists of two regions with a total of eight geo-areas. The Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region mainly displays the spectacular hexagonal volcanic columns and includes the High Island Geo-Area, Sharp Island Geo-Area, Ninepin Group Geo-Area and Ung Kong Group Geo-Area. The large coverage of over 100km² and an average diameter of 1.2 metres allow the columns to rival similar ones in the world both in scale and composition. The Northeast New Territories Sedimentary Rock Region includes the Tung Ping Chau Geo-Area, Double Haven Geo-Area, Tolo Channel Geo-Area and Port Island-Bluff Head Geo-Area. It displays the most complete stratigraphy of sedimentary rocks in Hong Kong, ranging from Devonian sandstone and conglomerate about 400 million years old to Tertiary siltstone 55 million years old.

In 2010, AFCD will continue to improve various planning and management works for the Hong Kong National Geopark, promote collaboration with other geoparks on the Mainland and around the world, and solicit participation and support from the public in an effort to become a member of the Global Geopark Network.