Rocky route: Secretary for the Environment Edward Yau (right) accompanies Chief Executive Donald Tsang (second right) on a tour of the geopark.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang has opened Hong Kong National Geopark, a 5,000-hectare facility featuring eight geo-areas distributed across the Northeast New Territories Sedimentary Rock Region and Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region.

Officiating at the opening ceremony today, Mr Tsang said by joining the national geopark network, Hong Kong will gain and exchange experience on the preservation of valuable geological and topographical resources, promote public awareness of earth science and foster the development of eco-tourism.

"I am glad the Ministry of Land & Resources has granted us national geopark status," he said. "Hong Kong has rich geological resources of high academic research, tourism and scenic value."

The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department will organise a series of educational activities, including guided tours on Sundays and public holidays from November to March and "rock classroom" activities for primary and secondary students at Lions Nature Education Centre in Tsiu Hang, Sai Kung.

A new dedicated website has also been launched to provide the latest news and information about geography and rocks, safety codes for visiting the geopark and other information.