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Forty paintings showing Hong Kong Geopark in a variety of artistic styles are now on display at the Covered Piazza, G/F Times Square, Causeway Bay until Sunday (September 25).
The art exhibition, organised by the Environment Bureau (ENB), features artwork by students of Simply Art art school, covering various aspects of Hong Kong Geopark, including its extraordinary geological features and special local characteristics.
"These paintings are created by young artists aged between five and 21. Using diversified artistic techniques, they portray Hong Kong Geopark from different perspectives. Some works depict its proximity to the bustling metropolis, highlighting the uniqueness of our geo-heritage," the Secretary for the Environment, Mr Edward Yau, said today (September 20).
In addition to the exhibition, there is a special area for children to draw images of "their" Hong Kong Geopark on hexagonal paper. Their artwork will be put up on the display board for public viewing. Information on Hong Kong Geopark is also available at the venue to inform the public about our geological treasure.
"Hong Kong Geopark has become a member of the Global Geoparks Network (GGN), under which it is officially named as the 'Hong Kong Global Geopark of China'. This honour underlines the uniqueness of Hong Kong's geo-features. It also affirms our efforts in managing and conserving our geo-heritage as well as in raising public awareness of geo-conservation. Through the exhibition, the public can gain a better understanding of our geopark, learn more about geo-scientific knowledge and raise awareness of nature conservation," Mr Yau added.
According to the requirements of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, a geopark should not only possess special geological features and landforms, but also provide social and economic benefits to the surrounding community by promoting sustainable geo-tourism. Geoparks are established to protect geological heritage, popularise geo-scientific knowledge and promote local economic development through sustainable, nature-based tourism. In considering whether to accept a geopark as a member, the GGN assesses whether the applicant fulfills all these requirements.
Hong Kong Geopark covers Sai Kung and the northeastern part of Hong Kong, and became a national geopark in November 2009. Various facilities have since been provided for visitors to the geopark to learn more about geo-features and geo-conservation, including a visitor centre, four geo-heritage centres, and 10 geo-tour routes (including both land and sea routes). Since its opening, it has drawn over 1.5 million visitors.
The exhibition is open to the public from noon to 8pm. Mr Henry Lau, an art teacher at Simply Art, will tutor the children who want to draw at the venue from 5pm to 6.30pm on the last day of the exhibition - September 25. This is a great artistic opportunity that interested children and parents should not miss!
Ends/Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Issued at HKT 16:26
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