The Secretary for the Environment, Mr Wong Kam-sing, today (September 16) visited Toyooka in Hyogo Prefecture before concluding his itinerary in Japan and departing for Hong Kong.

     In the morning, Mr Wong visited the Toyooka Municipal Museum for Oriental White Stork, where he met with the Mayor of Toyooka City, Mr Muneharu Nakagai. He was briefed on the sustainable measures to restore the habitat of an endangered species, the Oriental white stork, and to promote environmentally friendly farming practices. In Toyooka, eco-friendly farming practices, which provide a suitable habitat, foster the Oriental white stork that not only help enhance biodiversity, but also help promote local tourism and thus contribute to the socio-economic growth of the city.

     Yesterday (September 15), Mr Wong was briefed by officials of the Hyogo Prefectural Government on the Hokusetsu Satoyama College, during which he learned more about the conservation and management of Hokusetsu Satoyama. Hokusetsu Satoyama College provides training, ranging from introductory lectures to training sessions focusing on field study and practice, for Satoyama Initiative volunteers, so as to help conserve Hokusetsu Satoyama and bring about sustainable community development.

     Mr Wong will arrive in Hong Kong in the evening today.

Ends/Friday, September 16, 2016
Issued at HKT 14:00

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