The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) held the National Ecology Day Launching Ceremony today (August 15) in support of the country's designation of August 15 as National Ecology Day starting this year, with a view to promoting to society the importance of pursuing ecological civilisation and being conscious of the need for action to protect the environment. The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; member of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress and Member of the Legislative Council Ms Starry Lee; and the Acting Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong, attended the ceremony as officiating guests.
In his opening speech, Mr Chan said that the Central Authorities have placed the construction of ecological civilisation at a prominent position on its overall work agenda, with a series of major strategic deployment to implement the important concept of "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets". He stressed that the HKSAR Government has been sparing no effort to work with all sectors of society to spearhead ecological civilisation in three major areas, namely strengthening nature and ecological conservation, strengthening citywide promotion of environmental protection, and strengthening rural conservation and revitalisation.
Mr Chan said, "The report of the 20th National Congress released last year emphasises that nature provides the basic conditions for human survival and development, and that harmony between humanity and nature must be maintained when planning our development. The HKSAR Government will continue to work at full steam with all sectors of society towards achieving ecological civilisation, and building a beautiful China and a beautiful Hong Kong where humans and nature co-exist harmoniously."
Speaking at the ceremony, Ms Lee shared the concept behind the establishment of National Ecology Day. She said that the establishment of National Ecology Day is not only a symbol, but also a driving force. It will enhance the public awareness and consciousness on the need for actions for ecological environment protection and has far-reaching significance and an historical impact on establishing a green and low-carbon economy, promoting transformation and upgrading to achieve high-quality development and fostering the construction of Chinese modernisation. She hoped that National Ecology Day may become an important means for Hong Kong's promotion of ecological civilisation and environmental protection, with a view to raising the awareness of environmental protection in all sectors of society and guiding Hong Kong citizens to gradually develop a good habit of practicing ecological civilisation.
Other officiating guests of the Launching Ceremony included the Permanent Secretary for Environment and Ecology (Environment), Miss Janice Tse; the Acting Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Mickey Lai; and the Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Samuel Chui.
The HKSAR Government and non-governmental organisations have announced earlier various special activities and offers provided today in support of National Ecology Day, including free admission of eco-facilities, free guided eco-tours, night safari, workshops, seminars and distribution of souvenirs, as well as special discounts for gift redemptions at GREEN@COMMUNITY's Recycling Stations under the Environmental Protection Department. Details of the special activities and offers have been uploaded to the Hong Kong Biodiversity Information Hub website of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (bih.gov.hk/en/education-programmes/programmes/index.html) as well as the websites or social media platforms of the participating organisations.
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