Robin's Nest Country Park Opens with Hiking Challenge to Celebrate 75th Anniversary of China's Founding

AFCD holds Opening Ceremony of Robin's Nest Country Park and Launching Ceremony of Discovering Robin's Nest Country Park Hiking Challenge

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (November 2) held the Opening Ceremony of Robin's Nest Country Park (RNCP) and Launching Ceremony of Discovering Robin's Nest Country Park Hiking Challenge, which is also one of the activities to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

RNCP, located in Sha Tau Kok, Northeastern New Territories, was established in March this year as the 25th country park in Hong Kong, forming an ecological corridor with Shenzhen Wutong Mountain. The AFCD has launched a series of publicity and education activities themed "Discovering Robin's Nest Country Park - The Interconnected Ecology and Landscape", in which Discovering Robin's Nest Country Park Hiking Challenge activity was kick-started today. Through promotional videos and the activity, the public is encouraged to explore the rich green tourism resources of Robin's Nest, which symbolises the ecological integration of Hong Kong and Shenzhen, from multiple perspectives.

Officiating at the opening ceremony include the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan; the Chairman of the Legislative Council Panel on Environmental Affairs, Mr Lau Kwok-fan; the Director of the Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office, Mr Vic Yau; the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Mickey Lai; the Deputy Secretary-General of Shenzhen Municipal People's Government, Mr Chan Yaodong; the Second-level Inspector of the Urban Administration and Law Enforcement Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, Mr Yang Liqun, and the Deputy Director of the Planning and Natural Resources Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, Mr Gao Erjian, etc.

In his opening speech, Mr Tse said that RNCP, which is connected to the Shenzhen Wutong Mountain Scenic Area, has beautiful sceneries, rich biodiversity and human history. Its establishment is beneficial for ecological conservation and history revitalisation, marking a significant milestone in the ecological integration of Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The country has always emphasised on building a beautiful China and a beautiful Hong Kong. In this regard, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has undertaken various initiatives to enhance the beauty of Hong Kong, including establishment of the North Lantau Marine Park, development of the Sam Po Shue Wetland Conservation Park and updating of Hong Kong Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. The HKSAR Government will continue to collaborate with all sectors of society to advance ecological civilisation and co-create a greener and more sustainable future.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Chan stated that the Shenzhen Wutong Mountain and Hong Kong RNCP are interconnected by mountain ranges, streams, waterways and cultures are close to each other. RNCP embodies the shared aspiration of Hong Kong and Shenzhen for a beautiful ecological environment, making it highly significant. It is hoped that both sides, being geographically interdependent, will continue to strengthen co-operation in areas such as resilience to climate change, development of Northern Metropolis in Hong Kong, technological innovations in ecology and environment, alignment of ecological and environmental planning and standard, development of the beautiful Loop as well as improvement of urban ecological spaces.

Following the opening ceremony, about 40 nature enthusiasts with extensive hiking experience from Shenzhen and Hong Kong embarked on the first hike of Discovering Robin's Nest Country Park Hiking Challenge to enhance the exchanges and foster friendship between the two places.

In addition, the public and tourists can participant in the Discovering Robin's Nest Country Park Hiking Challenge activity from today until February 28 next year. Participants need to register on the Discovering Robin's Nest Country Park Hiking Challenge website (www.discoveringrncp.hk) and visit the eight designated checkpoints along the two hiking trails in RNCP, the Robin's Nest Country Trail and Lin Ma Hang Country Trail, scanning QR codes with their smartphones at checkpoints to record their completion. Participants who have completed a designated number of checkpoints during the event will receive themed prizes of RNCP.

The AFCD reminds the public to take into account their physical strength, hiking experience and weather situation in planning a hike. The public are also encouraged to hike in groups and help conserve the countryside by practising proper hiking etiquette, for example by bringing along reusable water bottles and towels, and "Take Your Litter Home".

Moreover, the AFCD has produced a series of promotional videos titled "Discovering Robin's Nest Country Park" focusing on the natural scenery, biodiversity, and cultural history of Robin's Nest. The public is welcome to enjoy the videos, which will be gradually uploaded to Hong Kong Country Parks YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/@HongKongCountryParks).

AFCD holds Opening Ceremony of Robin's Nest Country Park and Launching Ceremony of Discovering Robin's Nest Country Park Hiking Challenge Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

AFCD holds Opening Ceremony of Robin's Nest Country Park and Launching Ceremony of Discovering Robin's Nest Country Park Hiking Challenge Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

AFCD holds Opening Ceremony of Robin's Nest Country Park and Launching Ceremony of Discovering Robin's Nest Country Park Hiking Challenge Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

AFCD holds Opening Ceremony of Robin's Nest Country Park and Launching Ceremony of Discovering Robin's Nest Country Park Hiking Challenge Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

AFCD holds Opening Ceremony of Robin's Nest Country Park and Launching Ceremony of Discovering Robin's Nest Country Park Hiking Challenge Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

AFCD holds Opening Ceremony of Robin's Nest Country Park and Launching Ceremony of Discovering Robin's Nest Country Park Hiking Challenge Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKSARG responds to reauthorization of the so-called Sanctions Provisions under HKHRDA incorporated in National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025

​The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (December 26) strongly disapproves of and firmly rejects US' reauthorization of the so-called Sanctions Provisions under the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act (HKHRDA) incorporated in National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025.

A spokesman for the Government said, "In accordance with international law and international practice based on the Charter of the United Nations, it is each and every sovereign state's inherent right to enact laws safeguarding national security, and it is also an international practice. With at least 21 pieces of laws safeguarding national security, the US has exposed its double standards by pointing the finger at the HKSAR's legal system and enforcement mechanism to safeguard national security."

"The Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) also clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in the HKSAR. The offences endangering national security stipulated by the related Ordinance target acts endangering national security with precision, and define the elements and penalties of the offences with clarity, aiming at addressing, combating, deterring and preventing acts and activities of endangering national security. It targets only an extremely small minority of people without affecting the basic rights and freedoms lawfully enjoyed by Hong Kong residents."

He said, "The US openly clamour for so-called 'sanctions' with an aim to intimidate HKSAR officials who resolutely safeguard national security. The HKSAR Government strongly condemns its political grandstanding rife with ill intentions, which have been seen through by all. The HKSAR despises the so-called 'sanctions' and will not be intimidated by such a despicable behaviour. The HKSAR will resolutely continue to discharge the duty of safeguarding national security."

The HKSAR Government has been enforcing the sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) fully and vigorously to fulfil our international obligations. We have long been maintaining an effective mechanism for implementing the resolutions of the UNSC. That includes denying entry of vessels designated by the UNSC as well as suspicious vessels, keeping a close watch on and inspecting suspicious Hong Kong-based companies to prevent them from participating in activities evading UNSC sanctions. At the same time, the HKSAR Government has been implementing a comprehensive and robust control regime over the import and export of strategic commodities and maintaining active participation in the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Arms Trade Treaty through the Central People's Government. The effectiveness of our work has been well respected and recognised by our trading partners and internationally.

The US has substantial economic interest in Hong Kong. Over the past decade, it registered a trade surplus of about US$270 billion with Hong Kong. Currently, some 1 390 US companies operate in Hong Kong. If the US insists on its acts, it will ultimately undermine the mutually beneficial relations between Hong Kong and the US, harming the interests of the US and its companies.

The spokesman reiterated that foreign governments and legislatures should not interfere in any form in the internal affairs of the HKSAR.