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Following is the speech by the Secretary for the Environment, Mr Wong Kam-sing, at the Hong Kong Global Geopark Volcano Discovery Centre Opening Ceremony today (July 15):
Professor Zouros, Professor Tian, Mr Wong, Mr Siu, distinguished guests, friends and colleagues,
Good afternoon!
I am really very pleased to be here to officiate at the opening of this modest yet very important venue of Hong Kong Global Geopark. Hong Kong Geopark was established in 2009 and was accepted as a member of the Global Geoparks Network in 2011. This shows that even though Hong Kong is a compact and densely populated city, through our collective efforts we have successfully conserved some very important natural heritage for the people, both the local and overseas visitors. So now when people talk about Hong Kong, they will not only think about Hong Kong as a global financial centre or shopping paradise, but also its magnificent landscapes and unique geological heritage.
People may find it a bit odd when we talk about establishing a Volcano Discovery Centre in Hong Kong, because we all know that Hong Kong is exposed to absolutely no danger from volcanoes. However, as a matter of fact, Hong Kong was a very different place about 140 million years ago when Hong Kong experienced extremely violent volcanic eruptions right here in Sai Kung. It was this series of volcanic activities which produced the world-unique hexagonal columns we marvel at in Sai Kung today.
Overall, we emphasise a people-oriented approach in the conception, design and operation of the Centre. Echoing the hexagonal columns, I would like to highlight six aspects in relation to the Volcano Discovery Centre. It's of the people, by the people, for the people, highly accessible by visitors, visitor-friendly for promoting green tourism and last but not least, a gateway linking people to the Hong Kong Global Geopark.
First of all, the exhibits were designed according to the needs of the people - the visitors. Before we commenced the exhibit design, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department conducted a visitor survey to identify what information and geological knowledge visitors would be interested in.
Second, the daily operation of the Centre is by the local people - through the Sai Kung District Community Centre, it is a local NGO rooted in Sai Kung and with a wealth of experience in the area.
Third, with the support of the Sai Kung District Community Centre, we can be certain that the Centre will benefit the local people. It's for the local economy. The Centre is also free for all, no matter whether you are from Hong Kong or coming from abroad. It opens almost every day of the year, except the two days of Chinese New Year. So it is for all people - both locals and visitors.
Fourthly, it's located in a very convenient location right at the transport hub of Sai Kung town and by the sea. It's easily accessible by visitors no matter whether they come by bus, minibus, taxi or boat. Both the public transport interchange and public pier are right next to the Centre. Its location is really for the accessibility of people.
Fifthly, the Centre provides a trilingual counter service and comprehensive information to advise people of the best way to experience and explore Hong Kong Geopark. It is highly visitor-friendly. It aims to promote a more diversified type of green tourism in Hong Kong.
Last but not least, the sixth highlight is that despite its humble scale, the Centre serves as an informative and interesting gateway. In addition to promoting the popularisation of science, it introduces Hong Kong's geological history, along with specimens from all over the world. Thank you to our friends for donating and providing rock specimens from Greece, Japan and Heilonggiang in Mainland China. Observing these specimens helps people to see how unique Hong Kong's rock columns are. The Centre also accommodates a true scale 1:1 hexagonal exhibit, so that people can see and have a peek at the huge columns before they depart to visit the marvellous Hong Kong Geopark.
Before I end my sharing, I must say thank you to a number of people who made this a reality. Firstly, the Sai Kung District Council. Secondly, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and thirdly the Government Property Agency. Fourthly, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Finally, the Sai Kung District Office and other people who contributed to the Centre's design, construction and operation. Without their assistance, this Centre could never have been successfully implemented. I am fully confident that this Centre will be very popular and help us to promote our world-class geopark and green tourism in Hong Kong. Enjoy the Centre and Hong Kong Global Geopark!
Thank you.
Ends/Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:54
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