Nature conservation: Secretary for the Environment Edward Yau (left) officiates at the Lantau North (Extension) Country Park opening. Lantau Island is home to rare plants and animals such as Romer's Tree Frog.

Two thousand hikers helped Secretary for the Environment Edward Yau open Hong Kong's 24th country park, on Lantau Island today.

The Lantau North (Extension) Country Park adds another 2,360 hectares to Hong Kong's country park area. It brings Lantau Island's total country park area to 10,000 hectares, or 70% of the island.

To celebrate the opening, the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department held a hiking excursion from Tung Chung to Mui Wo.