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The Hong Kong Global Geopark of China signed a sister arrangement with Lesvos Global Geopark in Greece on May 3 (Greece time) to foster a closer relationship with members of the Global Geoparks Network.

As part of efforts to enhance the sustainable development of geotourism, geo-education and geoheritage, the Hong Kong Geopark has established sister arrangements with seven other global geoparks since 2009. They are Kanawinka Geopark in Australia, Yandanshan Geopark and Wudalianchi Global Geopark in China, Itoigawa Geopark in Japan, English Riviera Geopark and Marble Arch Caves Geopark in the United Kingdom and Geopark Bergstrasse-Odenwald in Germany.

"Establishing a partnership between the two geoparks will help strengthen the existing relationship between the two places as well as offering further collaboration opportunities. This will be achieved through sharing scientific information and experience in best management practices, as well as collaborating in areas such as tourism promotion, research, education and training. It will also allow the two geoparks to work together to raise public understanding and awareness of wise use of geoheritage for sustainable development. Global networking is also important to the revalidation of Hong Kong Global Geopark in 2015," a spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said.

Located in the north-east Aegean Sea, the Lesvos Global Geopark features rare and impressive fossilised tree-trunks formed some 15 to 20 million years ago. These ancient trees were covered by lava and ashes due to intense volcanic activity.

The Hong Kong Geopark was admitted as a member of the Global Geoparks Network in September 2011. Named the Hong Kong Global Geopark of China since then, it comprises two regions covering eight geo-areas, each with unique geological features. The Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region displays spectacular hexagonal rock columns, which are considered world-class in terms of size and coverage. The Northeast New Territories Sedimentary Rock Region represents the most comprehensive stratigraphy of sedimentary rocks in Hong Kong, ranging from Devonian sandstone and conglomerate about 400 million years old to Paleogene siltstone, which is about 55 million years old.

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