Hong Kong Unveils Nature-based Solutions Design Guidelines for Sustainable Urban Development

CEDD and AFCD jointly launch Hong Kong Nature-based Solutions Design Guidelines

The Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) jointly launched the Hong Kong Nature-based Solutions Design Guidelines (HKNbSDG) today (March 3). The HKNbSDG aims to provide practical planning and design guidelines for infrastructure and development projects. It promotes the application of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to address societal challenges through actions to protect, sustainably manage and restore ecosystems, striking a balance between development and nature conservation while enhancing Hong Kong's climate resilience and driving sustainable development.

With reference to the global standards of the International Union for Conservation of Nature as well as relevant overseas, Mainland and local guidelines, the HKNbSDG proposes three core principles: (1) promoting ecosystem diversity at multiple scales; (2) embracing human-nature coexistence for mutual benefits; and (3) improving resilience through NbS. Factoring in the characteristics of Hong Kong's natural ecology and urban development, it provides clear guidance and local case studies to enable engineering teams to seamlessly integrate NbS into their workflows.

Speaking at the promulgation ceremony, the Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong, said that NbS is crucial for realising the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature. The Hong Kong Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2035, announced by the Environment and Ecology Bureau late last year, proposed the widespread application of NbS to provide practical, effective and forward-looking solutions for urban planning, design and development, thereby addressing various urban challenges while strengthening ecological conservation. She pointed out that Hong Kong possesses a vast network of ecological protection areas in close proximity to urban areas, along with a rich pool of relevant professional talent and institutions, which will help facilitate the further development of NbS.

In his address, the Under Secretary for Development, Mr David Lam, said that NbS is not new to Hong Kong. Over recent years, works departments have championed "blue-green infrastructure", built functional "urban mini-forests" and eco-shorelines, and utilised vegetation to maintain natural hill slope stability. To scale up these successful experiences, the Government must integrate individual pilot applications into a structured, mainstreamed approach, hence the necessity of formulating the HKNbSDG. The Northern Metropolis presents a timely opportunity to actively integrate urban development with ecological conservation through NbS.

In the planning and development of the Northern Metropolis, the Government will strive to incorporate the design principles of the HKNbSDG to enhance climate resilience and promote biodiversity. Among these projects, the planning and design of the San Tin Technopole will draw on the HKNbSDG to introduce various NbS, achieving the vision of coexistence of development and conservation, as well as harmony between humans and nature.

The HKNbSDG has been uploaded to the websites of the CEDD (www.cedd.gov.hk/eng/publications/miscellaneous/nm-santintech/index.html) and the AFCD (www.afcd.gov.hk/english/conservation/Con_hkbsap/bsap_resources_references/bsap_resources_references.html).

The Civil Engineering and Development Department and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department jointly held the promulgation ceremony of the Hong Kong Nature-based Solutions Design Guidelines today (March 3), promoting the application of Nature-based Solutions to address societal challenges. About 80 representatives from academia, professional institutions, green groups, the finance sector, and public and private organisations attended the ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Photo shows (from left) the Director of Civil Engineering and Development, Mr Michael Fong; the Under Secretary for Development, Mr David Lam; the Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong; the Global Head of Nature-based Solutions Centre of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, Mr Charles Karangwa; and the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Mickey Lai, at the ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Photo shows the Under Secretary for Development, Mr David Lam, delivering a speech at the ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Photo shows the Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong, delivering a speech at the ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

ExCo Non-official Members congratulate successful launch of manned Shenzhou-23 spacecraft

The following is issued on behalf of the Executive Council Secretariat:

Non-official Members of the Executive Council (ExCo) today (May 24) warmly congratulate the successful launch of the Shenzhou-23 manned spaceship. They extend their highest respect to all crew members, including Dr Lai Ka-ying, the first payload expert from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

The Convenor of ExCo Non-official Members, Mrs Regina Ip, said, "This year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan. This mission is the first manned spaceflight during the 15th Five-Year Plan period and the first time a Hong Kong expert has participated, which is a truly momentous occasion. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the country for providing Hong Kong's innovation and technology talent with this invaluable opportunity to take part in the country's aerospace endeavours. Dr Lai has successfully undergone the rigorous selection and training process to become one of the country's fourth batch of astronauts, and China's fourth female astronaut to reach space, contributing Hong Kong's strength to the national aerospace endeavours. She has exemplified the Lion Rock spirit of rising to challenges with resilience and perseverance. Her courage and determination are truly admirable, and all Hong Kong citizens are immensely inspired and proud of her. The understanding and support of her family are also essential for her to participate in this mission with resolution. I am deeply grateful for their support and commitment.

"The HKSAR Government is actively developing Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology centre and supporting promising research projects through various funding schemes. As an example, the Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory (MUSICO) camera, developed under a project led by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and funded by the Government's Innovation and Technology Support Programme Special Call on Aerospace Technology, has successfully arrived at China's Tiangong Space Station, becoming Hong Kong's first scientific payload aboard the station. This fully demonstrates Hong Kong's innovation and technology edge and talent advantages."

Non-official Members of the Executive Council expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the country for its high recognition of Hong Kong's innovation and technology talent, development and achievements, as well as its profound emphasis, care and support for Hong Kong's scientific and technological development. They firmly believe that the HKSAR Government will seize this historic moment to nurture more outstanding innovation and technology talent for the country and Hong Kong, and better integrate into and serve the country's overall development.

Source: AI-found images