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To foster a closer relationship with members of the Global Geoparks Network, the Hong Kong Global Geopark of China signed a sister arrangement with China's Wudalianchi Global Geopark today (October 12).
As part of efforts to enhance the sustainable development of geotourism, geo-education and geoheritage, the Hong Kong Geopark has established sister arrangements with six other global geoparks since 2009, namely Kanawinka Geopark in Australia, Yandanshan Geopark in China, Itoigawa Geopark in Japan, English Riviera Geopark and Marble Arch Caves Geopark in the United Kingdom and Geopark Bergstrasse-Odenwald in Germany.
"Establishing a partnership between the two geoparks will help strengthen the existing relationship between the two places as well as offering further collaboration opportunities. This will be achieved through sharing scientific information and experience in best management practices, as well as collaborating in areas such as tourism promotion, research, education and training. It will also allow the two geoparks to work together to raise public understanding and awareness of wise use of geoheritage for sustainable development," a spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said.
Located in Heilongjiang Province, the Wudalianchi Geopark covers an area of 720 square kilometres and features extensive volcanic landforms. It boasts the world's most well-preserved, concentrated and complete volcanic landforms. With its vast array of common and typical volcanic landforms, Wudalianchi holds the reputation of being a "national volcanic museum". It joined the Global Geoparks Network in 2004.
The Hong Kong Geopark was admitted as a member of the Global Geoparks Network in September last year. Now called the Hong Kong Global Geopark of China, it includes two regions covering eight geo-areas, each with unique geological features. The Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region displays spectacular hexagonal rock columns, which are considered world-class in terms of size and coverage. The Northeast New Territories Sedimentary Rock Region represents the most comprehensive stratigraphy of sedimentary rocks in Hong Kong, ranging from Devonian sandstone and conglomerate about 400 million years old to Paleogene siltstone, which is about 55 million years old.
The Hong Kong Geopark held its first roundtable conference on October 10 for participants to establish networks and to share the latest initiatives and plans relating to geoconservation, geotourism and geoparks. Representatives of more than 20 geoparks including the Wudalianchi Geopark and five academic bodies from around the world attended the conference.
Ends/Friday, October 12, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:45
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