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The Hong Kong Science Museum will present to the public 40 new interactive exhibits at its brand new permanent gallery, the Jockey Club Environmental Conservation Gallery, from tomorrow (August 28).
The new gallery was officially opened today (August 27) by the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mrs Betty Fung Ching Suk-yee; the Executive Director, Charities of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Douglas So; the founder of the China Polar Museum Foundation, Dr Rebecca Lee; the Chairman of The Conservancy Association, Mr Lam Kin-lai; the Chairperson of Friends of the Earth (HK), Mr Robert Young; and the Chairman of Green Power, Dr Eric Tsang.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mrs Fung said the gallery was established to promote the importance of environmental conservation. Its more than 40 interesting interactive exhibits are grouped under 10 themes related to environmental protection, including air, water, land resources, energy and waste. The exhibition also highlights the beauty of Hong Kong's natural ecology, and provides some tips on green living.
"Through this exhibition, we hope the public will have a better understanding of the global environment, and the close relationship between humans and nature, and use our natural resources wisely," Mrs Fung said.
She also thanked The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust for its generous donation of $15 million which made the establishment of the gallery possible.
Mrs Fung also extended her gratitude to Dr Rebecca Lee, the China Polar Museum Foundation, The Conservancy Association, Friends of the Earth (HK), Green Power and the Special Consultant Group for providing valuable information and suggestions to make the exhibition more comprehensive.
The new gallery's green ambassador -- a little penguin -- will guide visitors through the exhibition, which aims to impart an understanding of various environmental issues from a holistic viewpoint as well as provide a more in-depth look at specific topics.
Stepping into the gallery, visitors will be captivated by the beauty of a blue planet 1.5 metres in diameter representing a view of Earth from space. The programme projected on the large spherical screen will give visitors an overview of the planet's precious natural resources and their importance. Visitors will be made aware of the many threats that Earth is facing.
Visitors will move on to the polar regions, the cleanest and least polluted places in the world, which are the first places to register the impact of climate change. These places contain invaluable information for scientific research, helping people to understand global environmental changes in the past and predict future climate scenarios. Visitors may also join scientists to learn about their research and their lives at the mock-up polar research station -- the Chinese Great Wall Station.
Following latitude and longitude markings on the floor, visitors will head to other parts of the world, where they will be able to visit a British petrochemical plant, a Japanese waste recycling centre, an African national park, an American wind power plant and reservoir as well as a South American desert. At these places, they will explore different environmental issues and their solutions, such as the impact of pollution on air, water, land resources and life, as well as waste treatment and energy regeneration problems.
At the end of the trip, they will reach a familiar place -- Hong Kong. Despite its small size, the territory has a unique ecological environment. Visitors will explore the countryside to learn about the varied local wildlife. Finally, they will return to their home where the little penguin will share with them some tips on green living. They will find that making small changes to their habits can make their lifestyle more sustainable.
The Science Museum is located at 2 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East. It opens from 1pm to 9pm from Monday to Wednesday and on Fridays, and from 10am to 9pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. It is closed on Thursdays (except public holidays). Admission is $25 with half-price concession for full-time students, people with disabilities and senior citizens aged 60 or above. Admission is free on Wednesdays.
For details of the new gallery, visit the Science Museum's website at hk.science.museum . For enquiries, please call 2732 3232.
Ends/Friday, August 27, 2010
Issued at HKT 19:26
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