The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today held the National Ecology Day Launching Ceremony in support of the country's designation of August 15 as National Ecology Day starting this year.

The goal behind the move is to promote to society the importance of pursuing an ecological civilisation and being conscious of the need for action to protect the environment.

In his opening speech during the ceremony, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki said the central authorities have placed the construction of ecological civilisation at a prominent position on its overall work agenda, with a series of major strategic deployment to implement the important concept of "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets".

He stressed that the Hong Kong SAR Government has been sparing no effort to work with all sectors of society to spearhead ecological civilisation in three major areas, namely strengthening nature and ecological conservation, strengthening citywide promotion of environmental protection, and strengthening rural conservation and revitalisation.

Mr Chan added: "The Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to work at full steam with all sectors of society towards achieving ecological civilisation, and building a beautiful China and a beautiful Hong Kong where humans and nature co-exist harmoniously."

The Hong Kong SAR Government and non-governmental organisations announced earlier that various special activities and offers will be provided in support of National Ecology Day.