ELIZABETH CHEUNGelizabeth.cheung@scmp.com
PUBLISHED : Sunday, 20 September, 2015, 4:29am
UPDATED : Sunday, 20 September, 2015, 4:29am
The 150 sq km geopark contains spectacular natural scenes and rock formations. Photo: Ricky Chung
The Hong Kong Geopark, which comprises sites in Sai Kung and the northeastern New Territories, has retained its status as a world-class geological heritage park amid opposition from residents over some of its areas.
Its application for revalidation was successful, the Global Geoparks Network announced yesterday, following an assessment visit to the sites in June.
It marked the first time the geopark was revalidated after its admission to the network, which is supported by UN heritage body Unesco, in September 2011.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department promised to enhance facilities and transport, and to promote geo-tourism to attract visitors.
It also pledged to "strengthen dialogue and collaboration with stakeholders for the sustainable development of the areas concerned".
Earlier, residents of Tung Ping Chau, one of the park's eight geo-areas, staged a protest during the network assessors' visit in June.
The residents said the global title of geopark had not led to improved island infrastructure and hoped Tung Ping Chau could be removed from the list.
The department said it had installed water tanks, a generator, water pumps and solar street lamps on Tung Ping Chau.
Hong Kong's geopark, one of 111 in the world which protects features of geological heritage, must be assessed every four years in order to keep its title. Inspectors review work progress in various aspects and ensures its complies with global standards.
The 150 sq km geopark contains spectacular natural scenes such as hexagonal volcanic rock columns. Unesco describes the sizes and compositions of these columns as a "world rarity". Some of the rocks were formed more than 400 million years ago and are of special geological interest.
http://m.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1859782/hong-kong-geopark-retains-world-class-heritage-ranking
