LegCo Subcommittee Explores Hong Kong Geopark to Enhance Island Tourism and Conservation Efforts.

LegCo Subcommittee to Study Matters Relating to "Ecology + Tourism" visits Wong Chuk Kok Tsui, Tung Ping Chau and Yan Chau Tong of Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

The Legislative Council (LegCo) Subcommittee to Study Matters Relating to "Ecology + Tourism" visited Wong Chuk Kok Tsui, Tung Ping Chau and Yan Chau Tong of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark (Hong Kong Geopark) by boat today (September 19) to gain a deeper understanding of Government measures relating to the conservation of landforms and marine ecology there, and to explore how to further promote island tourism.

Accompanied by the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Mickey Lai, the Assistant Commissioner for Tourism, Miss Agnes Ho, and other representatives of the Government, LegCo Members set sail from Tseng Tau Pier to inspect the geological features and marine ecology in the Northeast New Territories Sedimentary Rock Region of the Hong Kong Geopark. The boat first passed Wong Chuk Kok Tsui, the oldest stratum in Hong Kong formed approximately 400 million years ago, and Mirs Bay, which was selected as a national "Outstanding Example of Beautiful Bays". Members also received a briefing from representatives of relevant departments on conservation and recreational measures in the vicinity of the Northeast New Territories, tourism promotion efforts and water quality in Mirs Bay. Members suggested reviewing the mechanism of professional training and licensing relating to eco-tourism, to equip more tourism industry practitioners with the relevant knowledge to tell visitors the stories of Hong Kong's natural environment and culture.

Members continued the boat journey to Tung Ping Chau, where they viewed from offshore its unique geo-attractions, such as the wave-cut platform, the rock columns named Kang Lau Shek. After landing on the island, Members inspected the geological features, ecological environment and auxiliary facilities near the pier, and learnt about the Tung Ping Chau Pier works. Members exchanged views with representatives of the Government on ways to further enhance the pier's facilities to promote island tourism more effectively.

During the visit, Members received a briefing from the Government on the island's geology and ecology, which supports over 60 hard coral species as well as a wide variety of marine invertebrates and reef fish. To strengthen conservation efforts at Tung Ping Chau, the Government designated Tung Ping Chau as a marine park and has prohibited fishing and mooring in surrounding waters.

Members also viewed Yan Chau Tong, Lai Chi Wo, Crooked Island and Ap Chau from the boat. Members learned about the landforms of the area and the long history of Hakka and fishing communities, and exchanged views with representatives of the Government on leveraging the unique natural resources to better develop rural and island tourism.

A total of 13 members and non-members of the Subcommittee participated in the visit.

LegCo Subcommittee to Study Matters Relating to "Ecology + Tourism" visits Wong Chuk Kok Tsui, Tung Ping Chau and Yan Chau Tong of Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

LegCo Subcommittee to Study Matters Relating to "Ecology + Tourism" visits Wong Chuk Kok Tsui, Tung Ping Chau and Yan Chau Tong of Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

LegCo Subcommittee to Study Matters Relating to "Ecology + Tourism" visits Wong Chuk Kok Tsui, Tung Ping Chau and Yan Chau Tong of Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

LegCo Subcommittee to Study Matters Relating to "Ecology + Tourism" visits Wong Chuk Kok Tsui, Tung Ping Chau and Yan Chau Tong of Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects two drug trafficking cases involving passengers at airport

Hong Kong Customs detected two trafficking drugs cases involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport today (September 19), and seized a total of about 7 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with a total estimated market value of about $ 1.4 million. Three men were arrested.

In the first case, a 40-year-old Mainland male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, today. During customs clearance, Customs officer found about 1kg of suspected cannabis buds concealed in snack packaging inside his carry-on backpack. The man was then arrested.

In the second case, two Mainland male passengers, aged 35 and 37, arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 6kg of suspected cannabis buds concealed in the snack packaging inside the carry-on baggage of one of the male passengers. The two men were subsequently arrested.

Investigations of the two cases are ongoing.

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Hong Kong Customs detects two drug trafficking cases involving passengers at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects two drug trafficking cases involving passengers at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases