​The Countryside Conservation Office (CCO) under the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has launched the "Back to Our Countryside" campaign to encourage members of the public to explore Hong Kong's remote rural areas to experience the warmth of village life and befriend natural ecology. This campaign is one of the celebration activities for the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
      
     A spokesman for the EPD said today (April 12) that many rural areas in Hong Kong are rich in ecological value. The CCO is committed to protecting the natural ecology of local remote countryside areas, revitalising village architectural environments and conserving cultural resources and historical heritage. The "Back to Our Countryside" campaign has been launched with a photo and video competition, and online guided tours.
      
     Under the theme of "Retaining the Past", the photo and video competition enables members of the public to explore and showcase the unique natural aspects of Hong Kong's countryside areas through the lens to raise public awareness of rural conservation. The competition comprises a primary school category, a secondary school category and an open category. Entries will be accepted from now until July 11. Winning entries will be displayed in a "Future Captured" exhibition at the Central Market later.
      
     Members of the public can also register online to participate in the "Visible Now" online guided tour starting from today. Under the guidance of experienced tour professionals, they can visit Lai Chi Wo, Sha Lo Tung, Sham Chung and Kuk Po online to learn about the time-honoured culture of Hong Kong's countryside areas and diverse natural ecology.
      
     For details of the activities and registration, please visit the "Back to Our Countryside" campaign website www.backtoourcountryside.hk.

Ends/Tuesday, April 12, 2022
Issued at HKT 15:00

NNNN