오션파크로 떠나는 즐거운 여행에 필요한 모든 것
(Hong Kong – 16 March 2013) Ocean Park has introduced a vibrant garden made from various topiaries and recycled materials at the annual Hong Kong Flower Show, which kicked off yesterday at Victoria Park. The Park has also applied the technique of aquaponics for the first time combining a traditional aquaculture and hydroponics, to advocate for a greener lifestyle. This innovative green park has earned the “Gold Award for Unique Feature, Landscape Display” for the park at the show.
Ocean Park’s display at the flower show this year is themed as a vibrant Eco-Smart Garden which features a farm cabin, a wishing well and a self-supplied vegetable garden, enabling the public to experience the wonders of nature. The vegetable garden displays more than 10 kinds of vegetables, including snow peas, tomatoes, taro, cabbage, beetroot and broccoli. Not only does it break the tradition of showcasing flowers only, it also promotes the message of self-sufficient and low-carbon lifestyle. In addition, the landscaping team from Ocean Park has grown these vegetables at a piece of reclaimed land near the Park and has practiced husbandry over the past six months to prepare for the flower show.
The Eco-Smart Garden incorporates conservation features by transforming recycled and used materials, such as plastic bottles, wood boards, bunk beds and tires etc., into chic flower vases and planters. Besides, Ocean Park has applied to the flower show, for the first time, the sustainable aquaponics technology which combines traditional aquaculture (raising fish in tanks) with hydroponics techniques (cultivating plants in water) in a closed environment. The sewage water accumulated in the fish tank provides nutrients to the plants, which absorbs the nutrients and cleanses the water. The cleansed water is then recirculated back to the fish tank, thereby creating a vibrant and sustainable ecosystem.
Ocean Park also exhibits some edible plants which are grown inside the Park, including bamboos consumed by giant pandas, browse for golden monkeys and eucalyptus for koalas which will join the Park soon! Growing edible plants inside the Park helps minimizes food processing and transportation, thus reducing the amount of greenhouse gas generated from these processes.
“We are very proud to have received the Gold Award this year again as it recognizes the effort and innovation our landscaping team has put in. I hope the floral display will connect the public with nature and inspire them to protect our lands and oceans, which are homes to all of our plants and animals,” said Todd Hougland, Ocean Park’s Executive Director for Operations and Entertainment.
In addition, Ocean Park has participated in the annual Earth Hour campaign organized by WWF for the fifth consecutive year. Between 8:30-9:30 p.m. on Mar 23, Ocean Park will switch off all non-essential lights in most guest areas and attractions, as well as all offices and back-of-house facilities. To call for the public’s action to support the campaign, Ocean Park will distribute souvenirs to guests at different educational tours and in-park attractions between Mar 18 and 23. Posters and videos will also be displayed to convey the message through the Park’s website and Facebook page. To persuade more guests to step up and support the campaign, Ocean Park will promote the message of Earth Hour in all entertainment shows and electronic tip boards on Mar 23.
