Jockey Club STK (Sha Tau Kok) Eco Eight Recycling and Ecotourism Education Project launched to enhance waste management in Sha Tau Kok

The Jockey Club STK Eco Eight Recycling and Ecotourism Education Project was officially launched today (7 February). Funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and organised by the Wu Zhi Qiao (Bridge to China) Charitable Foundation, this three-year project includes the establishment of the Jockey Club STK Eco Eight Recycling and Ecotourism Education Centre.  The centre will serve as a central hub for collecting and processing recyclables from Sha Tau Kok and neighbouring villages, so helping to enhance waste management efficiency across the district.

Officiating at the launch ceremony of the Jockey Club STK Eco Eight Recycling and Ecotourism Education Project were Diane Wong, Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology of the HKSAR Government (5th left); Bernard Chan, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (5th right); Professor Wong Kam-sing, Chairman of the Wu Zhi Qiao (Bridge to China) Charitable Foundation (4th right) and other guests.

The launch ceremony was officiated by Diane Wong, Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology of the HKSAR Government; Bernard Chan, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Professor Wong Kam-sing, Chairman of the Wu Zhi Qiao (Bridge to China) Charitable Foundation; and other guests.

Club Steward Bernard Chan remarked that the project exemplifies the Club’s commitment to sustainability, one of the impact programmes of its Charities Trust.  Through cross-sector collaboration and innovative approaches, the project will pioneer a systematic recycling network to address local community needs in remote rural areas.  It is hoped that Sha Tau Kok will serve as a model for sustainable rural development, offering a reference for other rural regions in Hong Kong.

Club Steward Bernard Chan delivers a speech at the launch ceremony.

With the gradual opening of the Sha Tau Kok closed area, the region’s rich ecological resources have attracted a growing number of visitors to its seven neighbouring villages: Lai Chi Wo, Mui Tsz Lam, Kop Tong, Kuk Po, Yung Shue Au, Ap Chau and Kat O. In response to the increased waste management needs of these communities, the new centre will help enhance recycling efficiency, strengthen waste reduction education, and encourage proactive recycling to reduce overall waste generation.

In addition, more than 40 ambassadors have been trained to lead guided tours, green workshops and outreach activities, encouraging residents and visitors to protect the area’s precious natural ecology and cultural landscape. The project is expected to train 150 ambassadors and engage nearly 310,000 people in various activities over the next three years.

Guests visit booths at the Sha Tau Kok Sustainable Lunar New Year Carnival, which promotes a green lifestyle for residents and visitors.

Launched in conjunction with the project, the Sha Tau Kok Sustainable Lunar New Year Carnival engaged residents and visitors via booths and workshops highlighting local culture and sustainability to promote a green lifestyle.

The Club’s support for the Jockey Club STK Eco Eight Recycling and Ecotourism Education Project, like all its charity and community donations, is made possible by its unique integrated business model through which racing and responsible sports wagering generate substantial tax contributions, charity support and employment opportunities for Hong Kong.

Guests tour the Jockey Club STK Eco Eight Recycling and Ecotourism Education Centre.

The Jockey Club Nature Conservation Centre at Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG) officially opened today (21 January) in Tai Po. Supported by a donation of HK$130 million from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the new centre serves as a key base for environmental conservation, sustainable living and nature education programmes, strengthening KFBG’s role as a regional hub for Hong Kong’s biodiversity conservation.

The Jockey Club Nature Conservation Centre will strengthen KFBG’s role as a regional hub for nature conservation.

Officiating at the opening ceremony today were Chan Kwok-ki, the Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR Government; Lester Huang, Deputy Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Andrew McAulay, Chairperson of Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden; and The Hon Sir Michael Kadoorie.

Officiating at the opening ceremony of the Jockey Club Nature Conservation Centre were Chan Kwok-ki, the Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR Government (2nd left); Lester Huang, Deputy Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (2nd right); Andrew McAulay, Chairperson of Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (1st right); and The Hon Sir Michael Kadoorie (1st left).

Lester Huang, Deputy Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, remarked that Sustainability is one of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust’s nine impact programmes.  The Trust’s support for the Jockey Club Nature Conservation Centre reflects its strong commitment to advancing sustainability and building a liveable Hong Kong.

Club Deputy Chairman Lester Huang delivers a speech at the opening ceremony.

The Jockey Club Nature Conservation Centre replaces the existing conservation building constructed in the 1960s, enhancing KFBG’s capacity for conservation education. The new five-storey building is equipped with multi-purpose rooms and roof gardens for public education. These will support exhibitions, experiential programmes and guided tours to foster appreciation of the environment, alongside workshops and international knowledge sharing. The centre is expected to receive more than 42,000 visitors a year.

Guests tour the Jockey Club Nature Conservation Centre.

The centre incorporates multiple energy-saving and eco-friendly features, including natural daylighting, integrated low-e glass and a solar heating system. It has achieved a Provisional Gold rating under the BEAM Plus New Buildings standard. The centre’s design blends with the natural landscape, featuring a terraced profile that complements the surrounding hillside. Nature-friendly elements include bird-safe glass and artificial nest boxes to support local wildlife.

Guests tour the Jockey Club Nature Conservation Centre.

The Club’s support for the Jockey Club Nature Conservation Centre, like all its charity and community donations, is made possible by its unique integrated business model through which racing and responsible sports wagering generate substantial tax contributions, charity support and employment opportunities for Hong Kong.

The Jockey Club Nature Conservation Centre will strengthen KFBG’s role as a regional hub for nature conservation.