Letter to the Editor of SCMP - Response to a report on conservation of geological resources

 
Letter to the Editor of SCMP - Response to a report on conservation of geological resources

I refer to the article "Dramatic rockscape tops public's scenic spots" on December 8, 2008 which quoted Secretary for the Environment Edward Yau as saying that the city should "not only conserve, but also construct". Your report has misquoted the Secretary. Mr Yau was referring to the rich geological resources in Hong Kong and our plan to develop a geological park under the framework of the Country Parks Ordinance and Marine Parks Ordinance, with a view to turning these special geological features and rock clusters into natural scenic spots for public education, scientific research as well as eco-tourism for our citizens and visitors. It remains our top priority to conserve the geological features of the area, which are important treasures of Hong Kong. This is essentially why we are applying the framework of the Country Parks Ordinance and Marine Parks Ordinance to the protection of the area to be covered by the geological park. Building a geological park does not entail major construction works. Your reporter has misunderstood his remarks and we would like to set the record straight. 


Teresa Chiu 
Press Secretary to 
Secretary for the Environment