conservation trip with new insights
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Twelve "environmental detectives" returned to Hong Kong with new insights into environmental protection and conservation after a five-day visit to Thailand in late August.
The detectives, comprising students from Daughters of Mary Help of Christians Siu Ming Catholic Secondary School and Junior Police Call (JPC) members from Wong Tai Sin District, were winners of the "Hang Seng Bank - Junior Police Call Environmental Detectives" competition.
Their packed itinerary included a visit to the World Wild Fund for Nature Thailand where the delegation was briefed on its work on conservation and environmental education. They also visited Khao Yai National Park to study the tropical rain forest ecosystem and see the wild life. Khao Yai National Park was designated as a World Heritage Park in July this year.
The group conducted water quality monitoring tests to observe the effects of water pollution on local residents and the environment while on board the "Magic Eye" Barge on the Chao Phraya River.
At the Department of Environmental Quality Promotion of Thailand, they were introduced to the Thailand Youth Environment Network and invited to joint its future environmental protection activities.
The delegates also learned more about the emerging global environmental problems and the role of United Nations in organising international conservation programmes after visiting the United Nations Environment Programme Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific.
After returning to Hong Kong in late August, the delegation shared with the Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, Dr Sarah Liao, their observations and the experiences gained from the trip as well as findings of the case studies of their submissions to the competition.
Dr Liao encouraged them to think globally on environmental issues and act locally to protect Hong Kong's environment.
The youngsters pledged to set a good example and disseminate environmental protection messages to their schoolmates and friends.
The "Hang Seng Bank - Junior Police Call Environmental Detectives" competition, which included web games, environmental case studies and report presentations, was organised by the Hong Kong Police with major sponsorship from Hang Seng Bank and co-organised by World Wide Fund for Nature Hong Kong with the support of Sunflower Travel Service Limited and Metro Broadcast Corporation Limited.
The competition, launched in April 2005, was aimed at enhancing youngsters' civic mindedness and awareness of environmental protection as well as facilitating their contribution to the sustainable development of Hong Kong.
Police Report No. 9
Ends/Friday, September 9, 2005
Issued at HKT 14:58
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