Sand museum: Director of Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Alan Wong (2nd left, second row) and the geopark task force visit San'in Coast Geopark in Japan.

Hong Kong Geopark task force members have visited two geoparks in Japan to study their management how geo-conservation is promoted.

Director of Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Alan Wong said Japan has set a good example in pursuing the key objectives of conservation, education and sustainable development of geoparks.

"We have much to learn from their experience. The visit will help foster co-operation between Hong Kong and Japan in research and geoheritage conservation," he said.

The delegates today visited Itoigawa Global Geopark, a sister geopark of Hong Kong National Geopark. The whole city of Itoigawa is designated as a geopark, with 24 geosites showcasing a wide variety of geo-attractions. The rocks there have a history of more than 500 million years.

They will meet Japan Geopark Committee members at the Tsukuba Geological Museum tomorrow to exchange views and experiences on conserving and promoting geological attractions.

Yesterday the delegation visited San'in Coast Geopark which became one of the seven Japanese national geoparks in December 2008 - just a year before Hong Kong established its own national geopark. Like Hong Kong National Geopark, San' in Coast Geopark is preparing to seek global geopark status from the United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organisation.