Hong Kong Biodiversity Festival 2016 will offer more than 130 activities associated with the local biodiversity from October to December to enhance the public’s interest and awareness of the rich biodiversity of Hong Kong.

     The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department organised the Hong Kong Biodiversity Festival for the first time last year. With the support of 40 partners, including government departments, universities, community organisations, as well as the public and private sectors, the 3-month large-scale event is organised for the public again this year with a theme of “Connecting with Nature”.

     Officiating at the launching ceremony of the Hong Kong Biodiversity Festival 2016  today (October 15), the Secretary for the Environment, Mr Wong Kam-sing, noted that the city dwellers here may find themselves quite distant from nature. In fact, our country parks are within easy reach and there are urban parks and other vegetated spaces of various sizes around. The nature with rich biodiversity is right in front of us. He encouraged everyone to start to learn about and appreciate natural ecology from their heart, and to connect and maintain a harmonious relationship with nature.

     Mr Wong said, “Biodiversity is closely related to us. I would like to use the Big Waster to remind everyone that while appreciating nature, they should also contribute to protecting our environment in daily life.  For instance, we should reduce using disposable items and take our litter home when going for hiking.  Your contribution will greatly enhance the protection of our natural environment.

     Mr Wong hoped the Hong Kong Biodiversity Festival would help enhance public awareness of local biodiversity. In parallel, everyone should walk the talk for conserving biodiversity.
 
     As a major attraction of the Hong Kong Biodiversity Festival 2016, ecotours are arranged to connect participants with nature. They would be able to explore the diversity and importance of local biodiversity through visits to various habitats including wetland, geo-area, woodland, river, marine area, urban park and others, throughout the territory.

     The relationship between biodiversity and our daily life, for example the provision of food and culture, will also be introduced in other fun-filled activities including workshops, exhibitions, seminars, training, volunteer programmes and family days and more.
 
     For event details, please visit the event webpage (http://hkbf.afcd.gov.hk/en/Home) and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/hkbf.hk/).

Ends/Saturday, October 15, 2016
Issued at HKT 18:01

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