*********************************************************
The Secretary for the Environment, Mr Edward Yau, today (May 27) visited the Reserve Geologique de Haute-Provence in France and met with the Mayor of the city of Digne les Bains, Mr Serge Gloaguen, as part of preparations for Hong Kong National Geopark to join the Global Geoparks Network.
"Reserve Geologique de Haute-Provence was one of the earliest members of the European Geoparks Network," said Mr Yau. "The visit has enabled us to learn from their rich experience and prepare our application for global geopark status.
"The visit has been very fruitful, as the Reserve Geologique de Haute-Provence provides important references for us. Through exchanging views with the Digne les Bains city management authority, we have a better understanding of how to manage a geopark, how they work with local enterprises to develop tourism, and how they have developed a framework to conserve the geological features of their geopark."
Situated in the Southern Alps of France, the reserve incorporates 55 communities, covering a total area of 200,000 hectares.
The reserve is regarded as Europe's biggest geological open-air museum, with numerous fossil-rich sites and fascinating rock formations. Within the reserve are fossilised footprints of birds and fossilised plants. Its most famous site is a limestone wall in which are preserved more than 1,550 ammonites. It also has France's most spectacular canyon, 21 kilometres in length and with cliffs up to 700 metres high.
The Reserve Geologique de Haute-Provence was set up not only to conserve geological features, but also to popularise earth science by setting up a number of signposted discovery trails, information centres and museums to display the park's geological treasures. Discovery tours and educational trips are also organised, and the local economy has been revitalised through geotourism.
Ends/Friday, May 27, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:39
NNNN
