World-renowned primatologist and conservationist Dr Jane Goodall today (October 25) visited Hong Kong Wetland Park to see the conservation efforts made in Hong Kong to maintain the city's rich biodiversity.
Accompanied by Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, Dr Sarah Liao, Dr Goodall toured the wetland reserve in the park with natural and re-created habitats including streams, ponds, freshwater marshes, mudflat, reeds, woodland, grassland and mangroves.
Dr Goodall showed great interest in watching migratory birds feeding and resting at the ponds in the park.
Speaking at the end of the visit, Dr Liao said the success of the park demonstrated how nature habitats with rich biodiversity could co-exist with the surrounding community.
Dr Goodall said she was impressed by the design and facilities of the park which, against a backdrop of tall residential buildings, served to educate the public on how they could live in harmony with nature.
"I'm also delighted to find that about 30% of the world population of Black-faced Spoonbill come to Hong Kong to feed during their migratory season," she said.
Dr Goodall travels widely every year to promote nature conservation and sustainable development. On her present trip in Hong Kong, she gave a lecture in the University of Hong Kong to share her 45 years of extensive experience, ranging from her groundbreaking chimpanzee research to promoting the importance of nature conservation and sustainable development.
Ends/Wednesday, October 25, 2006