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Hong Kong Wetland Park (HKWP) celebrated World Wetlands Day 2016 today (January 30). Under the theme "Wetlands for our Future: Sustainable Livelihoods", the event highlighted the significance of wetlands to humanity's present and future livelihood and well-being, and called for action to protect wetlands.
Wetlands provide a multitude of benefits, including the supply of water, food, and natural resources, as well as important functions such as purifying water and protecting shorelines. The conservation and wise use of wetlands is of utmost important in view of their support for our daily lives, agriculture and fisheries, and industrial and economic development.
Officiating at the celebration ceremony, the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Dr Leung Siu-fai, said, "Hong Kong Wetland Park is committed to fulfilling its mission of promoting wetland conservation. Over the last decade, it has enabled more than 5 million local and overseas visitors to learn about the biodiversity and significance of wetlands through a range of educational programmes and activities that seek to promote conservation and ecotourism."
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the Country and Marine Parks Board, Mr Tang King-shing, said, "Nature conservation is a long-term and important issue in our society that requires our sustained efforts and support. I therefore encourage every one of us to continue participating in wetland conservation activities, and together we can strive for a more sustainable future and a better environment."
World Wetlands Day commemorates the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance in Ramsar, Iran, on February 2, 1971 - an international effort for the conservation and wise use of wetlands around the world. On this day every year, activities are organised worldwide to raise public awareness of wetlands' value and benefits, and to promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands.
HKWP showcases the importance and value of wetlands to humans from different angles through various interesting exhibitions. It also offers guided tours to enable visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the park and wetland conservation.
The Bird Watching Festival 2015/16 is being held at HKWP till April. Through activities including guided tours, a thematic exhibition, workshops and more, visitors can learn about the way the distinctive shapes and structures of feathers help birds to soar high in the sky, as well as the close links between bird feathers and the daily life of human beings.
For details of World Wetlands Day 2016 and other activities, please visit www.wetlandpark.gov.hk.
Ends/Saturday, January 30, 2016
Issued at HKT 15:04
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