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To foster a closer relationship with members of the Global Geoparks Network, the Hong Kong National Geopark signed a sister arrangement with Germany's Global Geopark Bergstrasse-Odenwald today (March 11).
Establishing a partnership between the two geoparks will help strengthen the existing relationship between the two places as well as offering further collaboration opportunities. This will be achieved through sharing scientific information and experience in best management practices, as well as collaborating in areas such as tourism promotion, research, education and training. It will also allow the two geoparks to work together to raise public understanding and awareness of geoconservation through developing various programmes.
The Global Geopark Bergstrasse-Odenwald is situated in the southwest of Germany. The territory takes in approximately 3,500 square kilometres between the Rhine valley in the west and the Main valley in the east. The region is bounded to the south by the Neckar valley and to the north by the Messel Pit, which is on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation's World Heritage List.
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 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 55 million years old.
Officiating at today's signing ceremony were the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Alan Wong, and Chief Executive Officer of Global Geopark Bergstrasse-Odenwald, Mr Reinhard Diehl.
As part of efforts to enhance the sustainable development of geotourism, geo-education and geoheritage, Hong Kong National Geopark also established a sister arrangement with four other global geoparks in 2009, namely Kanawinka Geopark in Australia, Yangdanshan Geopark in China, Itiogawa Geopark in Japan, and English Riviera Geopark in the United Kingdom.
Ends/Friday, March 11, 2011
Issued at HKT 17:31
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