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News from the Geopark

Torbay Geopark in Hong Kong link

Torbay has forged rock solid new links with the city of Hong Kong.

A partnership agreement has been signed between the English Riviera and the city and exchange visits are taking place between the two.

The link has come as a result of Torbay's status as a Global Geopark.

English Riviera Geopark co-ordinator Melanie Border signed a partnership agreement on behalf of the Bay with the new Hong Kong Geopark at their grand opening ceremony held at the High Island Reservoir.

The cost of Melanie's trip was covered by Hong Kong. She said: "This partnership will provide many great opportunities for the English Riviera Geopark. Hong Kong see us as a great example of how to manage a Geopark in an urban environment and they have said that they are grateful to us for the support and help we have been able to show them this far.

"Hong Kong will now be working towards achieving Global Geopark status which we already have and we will continue to do what we can to help them in what ever way we can.

"Equally there is a lot that we can learn from them and I can foresee many opportunities for us to aid the promotion of the English Riviera Geopark to new visitors from overseas."

Outside the city, Hong Kong offers spectacular coastal scenery and a rich heritage of small fishing villages and religious temples. Among other attractions, the new Geopark boasts one of the world's biggest collections of hexagonal rock columns, formed by volcanic activity.

Melanie said: "The geological formations are quite spectacular and the experience of going from the vibrancy of the cityscape to the beauty of the out lying islands is just amazing."

Young Ng , chairman of International Seminar of Hong Kong Geopark Inauguration 2009 said: "By establishing sister relationships with geoparks of a similar nature or characteristics, the geoparks involved will foster a strong sense of belonging as a family."

Two more delegates from Hong Kong will visit Torbay in two weeks time to further develop the partnership.