Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark Retains Status After Successful Revalidation by UNESCO Executive Board

Hong Kong Geopark retains global geopark status

The 224th session of the Executive Board of UNESCO concluded on April 23, 2026. During the session, it was officially confirmed that Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark (Hong Kong Geopark) has passed the revalidation and was awarded a certificate, allowing it to retain its global status for a further four-year period.

Hong Kong Geopark was designated as a National Geopark of China in 2009 and joined the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) in 2011. Following the formalisation of the Geopark Programme by UNESCO in 2015, it was renamed Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark. According to the guidelines, all UNESCO Global Geoparks must undergo a revalidation process every four years to assess their progress across various dimensions and ensure compliance with the high standards of UNESCO Global Geoparks.

In May 2025, Hong Kong Geopark underwent an on-site assessment by evaluators appointed by the UNESCO Global Geoparks Secretariat. The evaluators reviewed the achievements of Hong Kong Geopark over the past four years and held detailed discussions with various stakeholders and partner organisations of Hong Kong Geopark.

At the 11th International Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks in Chile in September 2025, the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council recommended that Hong Kong Geopark pass the revalidation with a "green card" while the GGN presented the Best Practice Award to Hong Kong Geopark in recognition of its contributions to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the Geopark's communities.

A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) welcomed the result, stating that conservation, education, green tourism and sustainable development are the primary objectives of Hong Kong Geopark. The AFCD will continue to promote science popularisation, green tourism and the sustainable development of the communities within the Geopark, while protecting Hong Kong's natural and cultural heritage.

Hong Kong Geopark is located in the eastern and northeastern parts of Hong Kong, comprising the Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region and the Northeast New Territories Sedimentary Rock Region. Visitors can explore 13 designated attractions and two boat tour routes within the Geopark. Through various tourist facilities, including information panels, the Volcano Discovery Centre, the Geopark Visitor Centre, story rooms and heritage trails, visitors can explore the natural and cultural heritage of Hong Kong Geopark, and learn about the relevant conservation efforts on its behalf.

Source: AI-found images

EDB's response to media enquiries about resignation of CityU President

In response to media enquiries regarding the resignation of Professor Freddy Boey Yin-chiang as President of the City University of Hong Kong (CityU), a spokesperson for the Education Bureau today (April 24) gave the following reply:

We are aware that CityU has announced that Professor Freddy Boey Yin-chiang, for personal reasons, tendered his resignation to the Council as President of CityU. CityU will initiate a global search process for the next President. The Government respects Professor Boey's personal wish and decision and would like to thank him for his contributions to the university during his tenure.

The recruitment of the President is part of the university's institutional autonomy and is taken care of by the CityU Council under the authority conferred on it by the CityU Ordinance (Cap. 1132). The Government has full confidence in the CityU Council in selecting the most suitable candidate for the post based on the university's long-term interests and development needs.

Source: AI-found images