AFCD holds Opening Ceremony of Robin’s Nest Country Park and Launching Ceremony of Discovering Robin’s Nest Country Park Hiking Challenge (with photos)

     The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (November 2) held the Opening Ceremony of Robin's Nest Country Park (RNCP) and Launching Ceremony of Discovering Robin's Nest Country Park Hiking Challenge, which is also one of the activities to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
 
     RNCP, located in Sha Tau Kok, Northeastern New Territories, was established in March this year as the 25th country park in Hong Kong, forming an ecological corridor with Shenzhen Wutong Mountain. The AFCD has launched a series of publicity and education activities themed "Discovering Robin's Nest Country Park – The Interconnected Ecology and Landscape", in which Discovering Robin's Nest Country Park Hiking Challenge activity was kick-started today. Through promotional videos and the activity, the public is encouraged to explore the rich green tourism resources of Robin's Nest, which symbolises the ecological integration of Hong Kong and Shenzhen, from multiple perspectives.
 
     Officiating at the opening ceremony include the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan; the Chairman of the Legislative Council Panel on Environmental Affairs, Mr Lau Kwok-fan; the Director of the Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office, Mr Vic Yau; the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Mickey Lai; the Deputy Secretary-General of Shenzhen Municipal People's Government, Mr Chan Yaodong; the Second-level Inspector of the Urban Administration and Law Enforcement Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, Mr Yang Liqun, and the Deputy Director of the Planning and Natural Resources Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, Mr Gao Erjian, etc.
 
     In his opening speech, Mr Tse said that RNCP, which is connected to the Shenzhen Wutong Mountain Scenic Area, has beautiful sceneries, rich biodiversity and human history. Its establishment is beneficial for ecological conservation and history revitalisation, marking a significant milestone in the ecological integration of Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The country has always emphasised on building a beautiful China and a beautiful Hong Kong. In this regard, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has undertaken various initiatives to enhance the beauty of Hong Kong, including establishment of the North Lantau Marine Park, development of the Sam Po Shue Wetland Conservation Park and updating of Hong Kong Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. The HKSAR Government will continue to collaborate with all sectors of society to advance ecological civilisation and co-create a greener and more sustainable future.
 
     Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Chan stated that the Shenzhen Wutong Mountain and Hong Kong RNCP are interconnected by mountain ranges, streams, waterways and cultures are close to each other. RNCP embodies the shared aspiration of Hong Kong and Shenzhen for a beautiful ecological environment, making it highly significant. It is hoped that both sides, being geographically interdependent, will continue to strengthen co-operation in areas such as resilience to climate change, development of Northern Metropolis in Hong Kong, technological innovations in ecology and environment, alignment of ecological and environmental planning and standard, development of the beautiful Loop as well as improvement of urban ecological spaces.
 
     Following the opening ceremony, about 40 nature enthusiasts with extensive hiking experience from Shenzhen and Hong Kong embarked on the first hike of Discovering Robin's Nest Country Park Hiking Challenge to enhance the exchanges and foster friendship between the two places.
 
     In addition, the public and tourists can participant in the Discovering Robin's Nest Country Park Hiking Challenge activity from today until February 28 next year. Participants need to register on the Discovering Robin's Nest Country Park Hiking Challenge website (www.discoveringrncp.hk) and visit the eight designated checkpoints along the two hiking trails in RNCP, the Robin's Nest Country Trail and Lin Ma Hang Country Trail, scanning QR codes with their smartphones at checkpoints to record their completion. Participants who have completed a designated number of checkpoints during the event will receive themed prizes of RNCP.
 
     The AFCD reminds the public to take into account their physical strength, hiking experience and weather situation in planning a hike. The public are also encouraged to hike in groups and help conserve the countryside by practising proper hiking etiquette, for example by bringing along reusable water bottles and towels, and "Take Your Litter Home".
 
     Moreover, the AFCD has produced a series of promotional videos titled "Discovering Robin's Nest Country Park" focusing on the natural scenery, biodiversity, and cultural history of Robin's Nest. The public is welcome to enjoy the videos, which will be gradually uploaded to Hong Kong Country Parks YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/@HongKongCountryParks).