Opening speech by Mr. Alan Wong, Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation

On 14-15 July 2014, Hong Kong Global Geopark held an Asia Pacific Geoparks Network (APGN) Roundtable Conference, entitled 'Networking and Partnership for the Betterment of Global Geoparks'. The workshop brought together geopark experts and managers from around the world to drive effective networking and partnerships in the Asia Pacific Region and globally.

"I am delighted that we have so many friends and geopark experts from around the world at this event to discuss networking and partnering for the betterment of the Global Geoparks Network. We are confident that this conference marks another milestone in the development of the APGN and the Global Geoparks Network," said Mr. Alan Wong, Director of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department in the opening speech of the conference on 14 July 2014.

After a warm welcome to the conference participants, Mr. Wong shared with them Hong Kong Geopark’s latest endeavours and new initiatives. “To work towards our goal of sustainability for the geopark and prepare for its revalidation in 2015, Hong Kong Geopark has been focusing on key areas, including international cooperation and networking, capacity building, science popularization and public education”. “We have worked hard to develop what we think will be a rewarding and incredibly valuable experience in geological conservation and geopark promotion.” he said.

“To foster closer relationships and cooperation with other geoparks, Hong Kong Global Geopark of China signed a partnership arrangement with Aso Geopark of Japan this afternoon.” said Dr. K.M. Yeung, Head of Hong Kong Global Geopark of China. “Aso Geopark is characterized by its magnificent and varied volcanic topography and other geological features. It offers a wide range of visitor facilities and has rich experience in geo-tourism. Establishing a partnership between the two Geoparks will help strengthen the existing relationship between us and offer further collaboration opportunities, particularly in the mutual promotion of geo-tourism.” he said.

Other speakers included Prof. Tian Min-zhong and Dr. Linda Wang, from China Geoparks Network; Miss Hiroko Torigoe, from Itoigawa Global Geoaprk; Ms. Melanie Border, from United Kingdom’s English Riviera Global Geopark; Dr. Young Ng, from Australia’s Kanawinka Geopark; Ms. Martina O’Neill, from Northern Ireland’s Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark; Dr. Marekazu Ohno, from Japan’s Unzen Volcanic Global Geopark; Prof. Nickolas Zouros from Greece’s Lesvos Global Geopark and the Global Geopark Bureau; and Mr. Yoshioki Sato, from Japan’s Aso Geopark.

"This Roundtable Conference will serve as a valuable platform for the knowledge exchange and experience sharing among geoparks from the AP region and around the world," said Prof. Zouros.