Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark
Our Sister Geopark
Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China located southeast of Guandong Province. It is one of the most densely populated places in the world, covering an area of roughly 1,100 square kilometers but with a population of over 7 million people. That's over 180 times the population of Itoigawa! It's skyline is crowded with brightly lit skyscrapers and often called the "Million Dollar Night View."
However, there is another face to Hong Kong outside the bustling city center. Just outside the city are large areas of protected forests, mountains and islands dotted with old village. In fact, over 40% of Hong Kong is designated as a Country Park. Within this area is Hong Kong Geopark, covering an area of about 150 square kilometers divided into the Sai Kung Volcanic Area and Northeast New Territories Sedimentary Rock Area.
Hong Kong Geopark's most famous geological formation is the hexagonal rock columns which can be found throughout the Sai Kung Volcanic Area. They are a symbol of Hong Kong Geopark and feature in the logo.
Sister Geopark
Hong Kong Geopark is our Sister Geopark. Since signing a Sistering Agreement on 3 November 2009, we have cooperated in the fields of geological conservation and management, information exchange, education and research as well as promotional activities. By cooperating on a close level, we are able to continually improve our Geoparks and better contribute to Geopark Activities not only at home but abroad.
Our close relationship with Hong Kong has been a key part of our development as a region and could only have been possible through the Global Geoparks Network.
Signing Ceremony in Hong Kong
In November 2018, we celebrated our 10th anniversary of exchange with Hong Kong Geopark at Itoigawa's Ōmi Junior High School. Students from Hong Kong's Marymount Primary School celebrated with over 90 local students and residents.
Activies with Hong Kong Geopark
■ Staff & Knowledge Exchange
1 Research Cooperation
Cooperating in field research, rock analysis and similar areas.
2 Staff Visits
Sharing and exchange between staff through visits and idea-sharing sessions.
■ Populariozation & Education
１ Popularization
We conduct joint activities including seminars and lectures to promote our Geoparks.
２ Educational Activities
Our sister relationship has fostered mutual exchange which has a profound impact on the youth of both of our Geoparks. Since 2011, students from Itoigawa have visited Hong Kong yearly to exchange with local students, experience other cultures and learn more about our sister Geopark. Schools from Hong Kong also regularly visit Itoigawa on exchange missions.
３ Educational Activities (Overseas Networking)
We are able to connect with our Sister Geopark over the Internet as well. We have conducted online classrooms in both of our regions, connecting specialist staff to schools in Itoigawa and Hong Kong.
■ Promotional Activities
１ Public Relations and Promotion
Hong Kong Geopark's promotional leaflets feature an introduction to Itoigawa Geopark. Furthermore, when delegations from either Geopark visit the other, articles are published in newspapers not only in Itoigawa but also in Hong Kong, helping us actively share information internationally.
２ Facility Exhibitions
The Fossa Magna Museum features an exhibit introducing the Hong Kong Geopark, while the Hong Kong Geopark Visitor Centre displays information about Itoigawa. Additionally, a fossil of Leanchoilia gifted by Hong Kong and jade gifted by Itoigawa are displayed in each other's information facilities. These mutual exhibitions help deepen the understanding of both Geoparks.
