Press Releases

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) held the World Wetlands Day 2009 celebration ceremony today (February 1) to celebrate the success of the five-month educational and promotional programme entitled "Wetland Kaleidoscope", and to commend the work of the volunteers.

"World Wetlands Day" marks the anniversary of the signing of the Ramsar Convention in Ramsar, Iran, on February 2, 1971, a joint effort to protect valuable wetlands around the world. On this day every year, activities are organised worldwide to increase public's awareness of wetland conservation.

In 1995, Mai Po and Inner Deep Bay were formally designated as Wetland of International Importance. Every year more than 100,000 birds make their home there.

The theme of the World Wetlands Day 2009 is "Upstream - Downstream: Wetlands Connect Us All". It aims to raise public awareness of the conservation of river basins. In Hong Kong, fresh water habitats are nursery grounds for wildlife. In Yuen Long Plain and the Long Valley Wetland, there is still much farming and fishing, providing the public with seafood and vegetables.

The Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Miss Cheung Siu-hing, said at the celebration ceremony that the Wetland Park had organised the "Wetland Kaleidoscope" to echo this year's theme. Activities such as photography, painting, eco-tours, treasure hunt, story-telling competition and bird-watching race were well-received by the public.

From January 26 to February 1, a "Cultural Festival" is held and ethnic minorities living in the Yuen Long district share with visitors their cultural characteristics through dances, songs, dramas and booth exhibitions. The event has attracted more than 25,000 visitors through its seven days’programmes.

"The participation and support of many organisations, as well as the whole-hearted service of every volunteer has been vital in making the programme a success." Miss Cheung said.

Today, about 100 volunteers received the Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Since the Wetland Park opened more than two years ago, it has received 15 local and international architectural awards.

For details, please visit http://www.wetlandpark.com/wwd2009.

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