*******************************************************
To launch the "Nature in Touch 2012" Country Parks Education Programme, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) will hold a fun day at the Lions Nature Education Centre in Sai Kung from 10.30am to 4.30pm this Sunday (October 21). Members of the public are invited to join the event.
The fun day will offer visitors of all ages an array of enjoyable activities including game booths, a thematic exhibition and site interpretations, as well as drawing and paper sculpture art workshops. Souvenirs will be distributed.
The "Nature in Touch 2012" programme runs from this month till March 2013. It aims to promote a better understanding of country parks, biodiversity, conservation and ecological characteristics in Hong Kong with a view to enhancing public awareness of protecting the natural environment. The programme includes a series of countryside learning activities for students and nature appreciation activities for the general public and tourists visiting Hong Kong.
One of the highlights will be the "My Country Park" paper sculpture competition. Jointly organised by the AFCD, the Hong Kong Origami Society and the Hong Kong Council of Early Childhood Education and Services, the competition aims to encourage the public to visit country parks and portray the most beautiful parts of the countryside using their creativity and imagination. Prior to the competition, workshops will be held for participants to learn more about paper sculpture techniques.
To promote public involvement in countryside conservation work, members of the public are invited to join the Nature Ambassador Award Scheme co-organised by the AFCD and Friends of the Country Parks. Participants should obtain an eco-excursion handbook and a nature stamp card and will be required to complete certain tasks and collect seven nature stamps on or before January 11, 2013. To become an ambassador, participants must return a copy of their nature stamp card with seven stamps collected and their full name in Chinese and English, as well as a contact phone number, by email to nature@afcd.gov.hk on or before January 31, 2013. Nature Ambassadors will receive a certificate and be invited to join activities tailor-made for them such as tree planting, plant management and guided tours.
A rich variety of activities will also be held for secondary, primary and kindergarten students and the general public including guided eco-tours, thematic field studies, orienteering, site interpretation, workshops, roving exhibitions and fun fairs.
For details, please visit the "Nature in Touch" website: www.natureintouch.gov.hk.
Ends/Friday, October 19, 2012
Issued at HKT 15:01
NNNN
