The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has launched the Hong Kong Hiking Challenge to encourage the public to visit the countryside, savour the fascinating natural scenery of Hong Kong's country parks, learn about Hong Kong's biodiversity through collecting various Hong Kong Species E-badges, and enjoy the fun of hiking.
 
     A spokesman for the AFCD said, "The AFCD selected 25 scenic spots in country parks as event checkpoints. Hikers may plan their own route to enjoy the unique scenery of country parks according to their physical strength, hiking experience and preference."
 
     From today (September 23) to December 31, hikers can register at the event website and collect an exclusive Hong Kong Species E-badge by scanning the QR code at each checkpoint with a smartphone. Hikers can learn about local flora and fauna by reading information in the e-badges. Participants will be awarded a souvenir after collecting the specified number of e-badges during the event period.
 
     Group awards will also be presented for the event. The AFCD encourages members of the public to go hiking with their friends and family members, and help conserve the countryside by practising good hiking etiquette, for example by bringing along reusable water bottles and towels, not feeding wild animals, choosing maintained trails and "Take Your Litter Home".
 
     The event is under the exclusive sponsorship of the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), as one of the many initiatives supported by the HKJC's approved donation of $630 million to the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR. For details of the event, please visit the event website: www.hikingchallenge.hk.

Ends/Friday, September 23, 2022
Issued at HKT 13:00

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