(5 November 2012, Hong Kong) The fifth NWS Hong Kong Geo Wonders Hike, jointly organised by NWS Holdings Limited (“NWS Holdings” or “the Group”; Hong Kong stock code: 659) and the Association for Geoconservation, Hong Kong (“AGHK”), kicked off with a guided public tour in Sai Kung on 3 November. The event attracted approximately 1,500 participants. Thirty outstanding Young Ambassadors for Geoconservation set out on a three-day field trip to Danxiashan Global Geopark in Guangdong Province on the same day.
At the kick-off ceremony, Tsang Yam Pui, Executive Director of NWS Holdings, said NWS Holdings has supported geoconservation since 2008 and received very positive public response. “To further spread the message of geoconservation, we have to get the younger generation involved and pass the torch on to them,” he said. The Group organised its first Young Ambassadors for Geoconservation Training Programme last year to raise students’ awareness through theoretical courses, field trips and services on guided public tours. During the ceremony, last year’s Young Ambassadors passed a “hexagonal torch” to this year’s representatives, while Det Dik - the Ambassador for this year’s NWS Hong Kong Geo Wonders Hike - sang the theme song of the Hong Kong Global Geopark of China.
Dr Young Ng, the Chairman of AGHK, said “NWS Hong Kong Geo Wonders Hike demonstrates a close tripartite partnership between the government, the business community and NGOs. This is essential for geoconservation and the development of geoparks. NWS Holdings has long been involved in driving public engagement in geoconservation and has successfully raised the awareness of its importance.”
The first guided public tour set off from Pak Tam Chung, passing through Sheung Yiu Country Trail and the west dam of High Island Reservoir. Ecotour guides explained the history of the area and its landscape along the route at each checkpoint while Young Ambassadors led the participants in geoconservation-related games and activities.
The second Young Ambassadors for Geoconservation Training Programme started this summer with an intake of 180 students coming from 50 secondary schools. Sponsored by NWS Holdings Charities Foundation, 30 outstanding students were selected to participate in a field trip to Danxiashan Global Geopark in Guangdong Province. Danxiashan was among the first Global Geoparks and is famous for its unique landforms. Students and teachers experienced its landscape on the trip and met students from Guangdong Province, with whom they exchanged views on geoconservation.
Two more public guided tours to Tung Lung Island and Po Toi Island will be held on 16 December and 20 January 2013 respectively. For more details, please visit its website http://geo.nws.com.hk and Facebook page www.facebook.com/geo.nws.hk.
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This press release is also available on the Group’s website ( www.nws.com.hk).
NWS Holdings Limited (“NWS Holdings”, Hong Kong stock code: 659), the infrastructure and service flagship of New World Development Company Limited (Hong Kong stock code: 17), operates businesses in Hong Kong, Mainland China and Macau. Its Infrastructure portfolio includes Roads, Energy, Water and Ports & Logistics projects. Its Services portfolio comprises Facilities Management (the management of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and Free Duty), Construction & Transport (construction, bus and ferry services) and Strategic Investments.
Association for Geoconservation, Hong Kong (“AGHK”) is a charitable institution composed of volunteers with mission to preserve Hong Kong’s landforms and rocks; to disseminate earth sciences; to promote sustainable geotourism and ecotourism and to make Hong Kong a better place to live in. AGHK organizes seminars, geoappreciation tours and campaigns, publishes articles and books to promote geoconservation; closely monitors developments and projects which might destroy our invaluable heritage and cooperates with government and conservation bodies to conserve our rocks and landforms.
For further information, please contact:
NWS Holdings Limited
