The four-day Asia Pacific Geoparks Network (APGN) Geopark Development Forum opened today (May 14) in Hong Kong. Representatives from 22 geoparks in the Asia-Pacific region have gathered to exchange experiences, challenges and good practices in managing geoparks.

     To mark the 20th anniversary of the Global Geoparks Network (GGN), Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark (Hong Kong Geopark) and the Chinese Geoparks Network co-organise the Forum, with the support of the Hong Kong Science Museum of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Through roundtable discussions, guest sharing, visits, etc, the Forum provides a platform for in-depth discussion and experience exchange on geopark management, business partnerships, support from government and non-governmental organisations, and science popularisation activities, with a view to promoting the planning and development of geoparks in future.

     The Acting Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Mickey Lai, while emphasising the significance of Hong Kong Geopark, said, "Hong Kong Geopark has an advantageous location with convenient transportation, which has paved the way for active international exchange. With its diverse and rich geological, ecological and cultural treasures, Hong Kong Geopark has provided invaluable learning opportunities and is committed to serving as a platform for constructing geopark networks and facilitating exchanges."

     Second-level Counsel of the Department of Natural Protected Areas Management of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration Ms Yuan Xiaohong praised Hong Kong Geopark as a crucial member of geoparks in China and acknowledged its abilities in attracting academics and visitors from all over the world. She said that Hong Kong Geopark's unique geological landscapes, abundant natural resources, and vibrant cultural ambience have vividly showcased Hong Kong's image as an international metropolis and achieved fruitful outcomes in geoconservation, nature education and community development, as well as international exchange and co-operation.

     Hong Kong Geopark became a National Geopark of China in 2009 and a member of the GGN in 2011. Over the years, Hong Kong Geopark has been actively promoting networking within the GGN and is dedicated to conserving geoheritage, ecological environment, cultural and intangible cultural heritage, developing diversified educational activities and boosting local sustainable development. Since 2019, Hong Kong Geopark has taken up the role of social media co-ordinator for the APGN, and has maintained networking within the APGN through regular online meetings.

     The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department will later introduce Hing Chun Alliance Heritage Trail to further promote local history, culture and intangible cultural heritage, as well as enhancing visitors' experience.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited relating to a fraudulent website and a social media page, which have been reported to the HKMA. A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.
 
     The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks' websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).
 
     Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the website or social media page concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.

     The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (May 14) reminded members of the public to think carefully before participating in mercy releases of animals.

     A spokesman for the AFCD said, "Some members of the public engaged themselves in mercy release activities which involve releasing animals in recent years. However, releasing animals not in a proper manner, including releasing them into an unsuitable habitat, may affect their survival. In addition, if exotic species or species that are incompatible with the local ecology are released, they may compete with native species for resources and adversely affect the local ecology. Therefore, the Government does not encourage the public to release animals."

     The AFCD sends staff at appropriate times to inspect places where animal releasing activities are likely to take place, and carries out publicity and education work.

     Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Cap. 169), it is an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to animals by releasing them not in a proper manner. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for three years upon conviction.

     The spokesman stressed that to safeguard animal welfare, members of the public must think carefully before participating in animal release activities. The AFCD is launching a fish restocking exercise on National Fish Releasing Day on June 6 to release fish fingerlings in Yan Chau Tong Marine Park to enhance local marine resources and ecology. The department will promote to the public the benefits of fish restocking to the environment, with a view to engaging them in supporting and participating in these science-based restocking exercises in lieu of animal releases not properly conducted. They may also consider other charitable activities such as planting trees or participating in volunteer services with animal welfare groups and environmental organisations.

     â€‹The Labour Department has called for registration for a webinar on the Employment Ordinance to be held between 3pm and 5pm on June 12 (Wednesday).

     The main provisions of the Employment Ordinance will be introduced.

     The real-time webinar will be conducted in Cantonese via Zoom and participation is free of charge.

     Interested participants should complete the registration form, which can be downloaded from the Labour Department's website (www.labour.gov.hk), and return it by email by May 28 (Tuesday). The quota will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. For enquiries, please call 3575 8671.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
 
     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) today (May 14) announced a new service schedule of the two "Coin Carts" under the Coin Collection Programme, for the period of June 3, 2024 up to August 18, 2024. The schedule and other details of the Programme are shown on the HKMA webpage (coincollection.hkma.gov.hk).
      
     Since the launch of the Programme in October 2014 up to April 30, 2024, the two Coin Carts had carried out 1 212 000 transactions, collecting 946 million coins with a total face value of HK$1,496 million during the period. The collected coins are re-circulated to meet demand.
      
     The Coin Carts provide service at locations that are convenient to the public without affecting the normal flow of traffic and pedestrians. Locations that have suitable power supply facilities, such as the Leisure and Cultural Services Department mobile library service locations, are preferred so as to reduce the need for using the Coin Carts' own stand-by generators. This makes the Programme more environmentally friendly. In selecting the service locations, the HKMA has taken into consideration comments and suggestions given by district councils and members of public; and has consulted the Transport Department and the Hong Kong Police Force as necessary.
      
     The two Coin Carts collect coins from members of public in the 18 districts of Hong Kong on a rotating basis. Under normal circumstances each Coin Cart will stay at a location for a week, subject to availability of the parking space and the maintenance schedule of the Cart. Service hours are from 10am to 7pm Each vehicle is equipped with two coin counting machines and operational staff will be present to provide assistance. An electrical wheelchair lift is available for use. Users can choose to exchange coins for banknotes or adding value to their stored value facilities, such as Octopus Cards or e-wallets (including AlipayHK, Octopus Wallet, Tap&Go, TNG Wallet and WeChat Pay). There is also a Community Chest donation box inside each vehicle. The coin collection service is free of charge.
      
     The HKMA will review the Programme from time to time; and will regularly update the service schedule to give advance notice to the public.