Gordon Maxwell (centre) takes a group of visitors to Hong Kong’s country parks, where they are amazed at the natural beauty so close to the city

The unique biological and geological diversity of Hong Kong and its natural environs were enough to persuade Dr Gordon Maxwell, Assistant Professor Environmental Studies at the Open University of Hong Kong, to dedicate his professional life to further educating both students and visitors about all this fascinating place has to offer.

"Arriving in Hong Kong in 1978 on my way back to New Zealand, having concluded my studies in England, I accepted a job here, little realising at the time that the natural uniqueness of this place would capture my interest for many decades to come.

I was subsequently asked to present a series of television programmes, tailored primarily to Hong Kong Open University students, to assist in further educating viewers about the many natural dimensions to Hong Kong, including the generous 40 per cent of land area dedicated to country parks. We have since realised that many other people also enjoy viewing the Sunday morning programme, illustrating aspects of Hong Kong of which many residents were unaware.

Bio-geographically, Hong Kong is extremely interesting as it is the meeting place of the tropics and the temperate. There are  many species here which live on the edge of two bio-geographic camps. People think of Hong Kong simply as a shopping and eating paradise, but there is so much more. Groups I've taken out to places like Sai Kung Country Park, whether locals, Americans, British, Australians or whatever, think it's fantastic as they were previously unaware that Hong Kong had anything like this. For instance, there are world-class, textbook quality examples of magnificent rock formations that many presume you have to go to Ireland or perhaps Yosemite National Park to see - and we have them here.

Myriad options for outdoor pursuits

In recent years I have found more and more groups making use of the country parks and going hiking, birdwatching, climbing or any of the many other activities they can indulge in. I would like to think that areas like Sai Kung will retain its image as 'the lungs of Hong Kong', vital as we must have places like this in order to balance the density of our urban areas.

These areas of Hong Kong are very safe, civilised hiking environments, with hills covered in regenerating vegetation. The walking tracks are well maintained and it's a safe environment for outdoor pursuits. Most paths are well marked and ideal for both locals and tourists.

When I take groups of students on field trips to the country here, I feel I am something of a cross between an ecologist and a tour guide. I try to structure their thoughts with respect to landscape appreciation, shapes and geo-morphology, and give them a brief history of vegetation together with the possibility of viewing migratory birds, especially in November/December.

I am a strong advocate of the need for the government to train dedicated eco-tourism guides with emphasis on concept-building - not just manual reading - so that they then have the confidence to respond to various types of groups visiting the country parks. Park guides must know something the relevant ecology, vegetation, biology and landscape appreciation because eco-tourism is about learning.

Hong Kong has myriad, world-class, natural attractions that are unique and I invite visitors and residents alike to move beyond the city limits and experience all that is on offer here."

Related link:
The Open University of Hong Kong www.ouhk.edu.hk