Conservation of geoheritage in Hong Kong

Abstract

A gap exists between people and geological treasures which they have failed to recognised, in particular their scientific, educational, cultural, and aesthetic values. In general, comprehensive treatment on conservation of geoheritage is missing in the local context. Identification of geoheritages may be the first step to bridge the gap, but there is no workable definition to start with. Some overseas authorities may give guidance to identify the targets, so an inventory of significant geoheritages can be established to facilitate their protection and monitoring.

The need for conservation of geoheritages is generally overlooked. There are specific authorities and legislation to protect cultural heritages and biodiversity, but not so for geoheritages, even for those within the Geopark, which may fall victim to rapid economic development, a more potential impact than the natural processes of weathering and erosion. A similar conservation vacuum is also observed with many stone monuments which share the same fate as geoheritages. On the other hand, a close relationship exists among the biological, cultural/historical and geological aspects of a site to justify inclusion of geoheritages in the current conservation regime. An integral management approach could be an effective strategy for conserving these aspects within the same location.

Appreciating geoheritages in the field brings nice surprises to the curious, which underpins that geology can be made an interesting and lively study. The theoretical discussions have been applied to a case study on Po Toi. A fieldtrip worksheet was designed to serve as an example for students and other interested members of the public who are encouraged to retrace the steps of the author in an enjoyable learning experience.