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The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) launched the "Forester" mobile application (app) today (December 18). Featuring Augmented Reality (AR) and an interactive user experience, the app will guide users on a virtual journey through 16 picturesque tree walks in Hong Kong's country parks, "collecting" a variety of tree seeds en route and learning about how to plant and take care of trees.
"Through this fun interactive game, we hope to encourage more people to visit country parks and learn more about Hong Kong's impressive native trees with the aim of enhancing their awareness of the value of trees and the importance of tree preservation," said an AFCD spokesperson.
"Some people think that trees will grow and be healthy without any help, but for trees to thrive they need to be well taken care of. Selecting the right species of tree to plant on a site, planting the tree properly and then providing timely maintenance throughout its life is important," the spokesperson added.
Users can collect the virtual seeds of 16 species of native trees including the common red-stem fig, sweet gum, lance-leaved sterculia and mountain tallow. Basic information about the tree species and photographs showing their different growth stages are included. The app also introduces the essential aspects of good tree care: watering, weeding, fertilisation and pest control.
The app is available for free download from the Apple App Store and Google Play. For more information and other AFCD apps please visit: www.afcd.gov.hk/english/country/cou_wha/cou_apps.html.
Ends/Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Issued at HKT 12:31
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