Hong Kong Geopark retains world-class heritage ranking amid opposition from residents

The Hong Kong Geopark, which comprises sites in Sai Kung and the northeastern New Territories, has retained its status as a world-class geological heritage park amid opposition from residents over some of its areas.

Its application for revalidation was successful, the Global Geoparks Network announced yesterday, following an assessment visit to the sites in June.

It marked the first time the geopark was revalidated after its admission to the network, which is supported by UN heritage body Unesco, in September 2011.

Read more: More Hong Kong geopark residents leaving ancestral homes

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department promised to enhance facilities and transport, and to promote geo-tourism to attract visitors.

It also pledged to "strengthen dialogue and collaboration with stakeholders for the sustainable development of the areas concerned".

Earlier, residents of Tung Ping Chau, one of the park's eight geo-areas, staged a protest during the network assessors' visit in June.