Press Releases
AFCD to hold first biodiversity festival in Hong Kong
Thursday, August 20, 2015
More than 120 activities will be offered in the Hong Kong Biodiversity Festival 2015 from late-August to November to boost public interest in local biodiversity.
A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (August 20) said, "Jointly organised by the Environment Bureau, the AFCD and more than 20 organisations comprising local universities, non-governmental organisations and green groups, the festival is the first of its kind in Hong Kong.
"Despite its small size, Hong Kong is home to a huge diversity of flora and fauna, including more than 2 100 species of native plants, 1 182 species of fish, 531 species of birds, 236 species of butterflies, 123 species of dragonflies, 110 species of amphibians and reptiles, 84 species of stony corals, 55 species of mammals and more. Though we may not be familiar with these species, they are closely related to our daily life. Therefore, we hope the public can find out more about nature and, through the festival activities, learn to cherish it.”
With the theme of "Cherish Nature", the festival will feature activities ranging from a carnival, family days, exhibitions, public lectures and seminars, to workshops, nature tours, competitions and voluntary service that are suitable for members of the public of different ages.
The festival will be launched this weekend (August 22 and 23) with family days at the Lions Nature Education Centre in Sai Kung. Activities such as orienteering, workshops and game booths will offer family fun and provide chances for children and parents to learn about biodiversity in a relaxed and enjoyable way.
In September and October, four public lectures will be held at the Woodside Biodiversity Education Centre and the Hong Kong Wetland Park to introduce medicinal plants, dragonflies, butterflies, snakes, mammals and corals in Hong Kong, as well as to share tips on wildlife and reef fish photography.
On November 15, the highlight of the festival, Hong Kong Biodiversity Carnival 2015 will be held at Kowloon Park in Tsim Sha Tsui. An array of activities such as fun-packed workshop booths, guided bird-watching tours, guided tree walks and informative seminars will provide the public with a better understanding of local biodiversity, its relationship to human life and its significance.
For details of the festival, including activities arranged by co-organisers, please visit the website of the Hong Kong Biodiversity Festival 2015 - Cherish Nature (http://hkbf.afcd.gov.hk/Home).
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