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Hong Kong Wetland Park (HKWP) is celebrating World Wetlands Day 2015 today (January 31). Under the theme "Wetlands for our Future", the event highlights the significance of wetlands to the future of humanity and calls for action to protect wetlands with a view to safeguarding our future.
Wetlands provide a multitude of benefits - supply of water, food, and natural resources to support our daily lives as well as agriculture and fisheries and even industrial development. In view of global population growth that leads to an ever-increasing demand for wetland resources, wetlands have become more and more important to human life. It is crucial that wetlands are well-conserved and utilised wisely.
Officiating at the celebration ceremony, the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Alan Wong, said, "We need wetlands for our future, and the future of wetlands relies on our efforts to protect them. Entrusted with a mission to promote wetland conservation, Hong Kong Wetland Park is committed to enhancing public awareness and encouraging people to engage in conservation through various conservation, education and ecotour programmes."
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the Country and Marine Parks Board, Mr Tang King-shing, said, "Since ancient times, humans have chosen to live near wetlands, which provide valuable natural resources and ecosystem services. Wetlands will play a more critical role in providing water resources, ensuring food supply, and mitigating climate change in the future."
World Wetlands Day commemorates the signing of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance in Ramsar, Iran, on February 2, 1971 - an international effort for the conservation and wise use of wetlands around the world. On this day every year, activities are organised worldwide to raise public awareness of wetlands' value and benefits and to promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands.
Hong Kong Wetland Park showcases the importance and value of wetlands to humans from different angles in various interesting exhibitions. It also offers guided tours to enable visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the park and wetland conservation.
Hong Kong Wetland Park is also organising the "Bird Watching Festival 2014/15" till March. Through a wide range of activities, including guided tours, a thematic exhibition and workshops, visitors will be introduced to the fascinating homes and daily habits of birds.
For details of World Wetlands Day 2015 and other activities, please visit www.wetlandpark.gov.hk.
Ends/Saturday, January 31, 2015
Issued at HKT 16:31
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