National Ecology Day 2026 Launching Ceremony cum Symposium Held in Hong Kong to Promote Ecological Conservation

National Ecology Day 2026 Launching Ceremony cum Symposium held today

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) held the National Ecology Day 2026 Launching Ceremony cum Symposium today (August 15) at the Hong Kong Science Museum. It invited representatives from the Mainland and HKSAR Governments, and non-governmental organisations, scholars and experts to exchange ideas on ecological civilisation concepts and conservation work, and set the stage for a series of activities related to environmental protection and ecological conservation.

The launching ceremony was officiated by the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan; the Deputy Director-General of the Social Development Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, Mr Ye Shuiqiu; and member of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress and the President of the Legislative Council (LegCo), Dr Starry Lee.

In his opening speech, Mr Cheuk said that August 15 marks both the National Ecology Day and the day on which the Ecological and Environmental Code of the People's Republic of China formally comes into effect. The HKSAR Government attaches great importance to the national initiative on ecological civilisation and is committed to putting into practice the concept of "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets". In 2025, Hong Kong's Mirs Bay was selected by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment as an "Outstanding Example of Beautiful Bays" with an excellent overall score, demonstrating that the efforts of the HKSAR Government in ecological and environmental protection have been recognised by the country, and signifying an important achievement of the HKSAR Government in jointly building the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area into a world-class beautiful bay area. The HKSAR is, for the first time, formulating a five-year plan that aligns with the National 15th Five-Year Plan's policy direction to cut carbon emissions, reduce pollution, pursue green development, and boost growth so as to improve ecological environment quality, and steadily pursuing green transition, building a liveable city, and realising a beautiful Hong Kong.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Lee said that a good ecological environment is an important resource and advantage underpinning long-term development, and the Ecological and Environmental Code of the People's Republic of China provides a systematic legal framework for the country's ecological and environmental governance. Ecological protection concerns the daily lives of every member of the public. The Legislative Council will continue to support the HKSAR Government in governing in accordance with the law, rally the strength of all sectors of society to ensure that environmental policies are implemented with greater precision and deliver more effective results.

Other attending guests included the Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong; the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Mickey Lai; the Acting Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Vanessa Au; the Acting Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Vincent Chow; member of the Executive Council and Chairman of the Council for Carbon Neutrality and Sustainable Development, Dr Lam Ching-choi; Member of the Executive Council and Legislative Council Mr Kenneth Lau; and the Chairman of the Environment and Conservation Fund Committee, Dr Eric Cheng. The Chairman of the LegCo Panel on Environmental Affairs, Ms Judy Chan, and LegCo Members including Mr Yiu Pak-leung, Mr Lothair Lam, and Ms Julia Lau also attended.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Co-operation in Coral Conservation and Marine Conservation Public Education with the Ocean Development Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality at the launching ceremony to further enhance co-operation in coral conservation and marine conservation public education. This includes building a regular coral conservation collaboration and exchange mechanism, collaborating on research on coral restoration technology and applications, advancing the application of advanced technology in coral conservation, and joint promotion of marine conservation public education.

After the launching ceremony, the Executive Director of the Hong Kong Culture and Sustainability Centre, Professor Louis Yu, hosted the symposium. Speakers of the symposium included Professor of the Academy of Arts & Design and Adjunct Researcher of the China Institute for Rural Studies of Tsinghua University, Professor Li Chaoyang; Interim Director of the Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Ms Sam Lam; Associate Professor Kingsley Ng from the Hong Kong Baptist University Academy of Visual Arts; Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning) and Professor of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management of the Chinese University of Hong Kong Business School, Professor Lisa Wan; and the Head of the Countryside Conservation Office (CCO) of the Environment and Ecology Bureau, Professor Stephen Tang. They shared and exchanged practical experiences in integrating arts and culture into countryside conservation and revitalisation.

To encourage members of the public to support and participate in National Ecology Day, the HKSAR Government announced earlier that the Government and non-governmental organisations would launch a range of special activities and offers from now until late September. In addition, the Government will hold a National Ecology Day thematic exhibition at the East Kowloon Cultural Centre from September 1 to 6, as well as a sharing session and performance on September 5.

Details of various activities and offers for National Ecology Day are available on the website of the CCO (cco.gov.hk/en/event-calendar/ned) and the Hong Kong Biodiversity Information Hub of the AFCD (bih.gov.hk/en/education-programmes/programmes/index.html). Members of the public may also obtain information on the exhibition, performances and the sharing session through the National Ecology Day thematic webpage at cco.gov.hk/en/news/ned-2026-exhibition.

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region held the National Ecology Day 2026 Launching Ceremony cum Symposium today (August 15). Photo shows the moderator of the symposium, the Executive Director of the Hong Kong Culture and Sustainability Centre, Professor Louis Yu (first left), together with speakers of the symposium, (from second left) Associate Professor of the Hong Kong Baptist University Academy of Visual Arts, Professor Kingsley Ng; Interim Director of the Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Ms Sam Lam; Professor of the Academy of Arts & Design and Adjunct Researcher of the China Institute for Rural Studies of Tsinghua University, Professor Li Chaoyang; Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning) and Professor of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management of the Chinese University of Hong Kong Business School, Professor Lisa Wan; and the Head of the Countryside Conservation Office of the Environment and Ecology Bureau, Professor Stephen Tang. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region held the National Ecology Day 2026 Launching Ceremony cum Symposium today (August 15). Photo shows Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong (front row, fourth left); the Chairman of the Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Environmental Affairs, Ms Judy Chan (front row, fourth right); LegCo Member Mr Yiu Pak-leung (front row, third left); LegCo Member Mr Lothair Lam (front row, third right); LegCo Member Ms Julia Lau (front row, second left); the Chairman of the Country and Marine Parks Board, Professor Kenneth Leung (front row, second right); the Chairman of the Advisory Council on the Environment, Professor John Chai (front row, first left); and the Chairman of the Energy Advisory Committee, Professor Simon Wong (front row, first right), with representatives from organisations supporting the public engagement activities of National Ecology Day. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region held the National Ecology Day 2026 Launching Ceremony cum Symposium today (August 15). Photo shows member of the Executive Council and Chairman of the Council for Carbon Neutrality and Sustainable Development, Dr Lam Ching-choi (front row, third left); Member of the Executive Council and Legislative Council Mr Kenneth Lau (front row, third right); the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Mickey Lai (front row, second left); the Acting Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Vanessa Au (front row, second right); the Acting Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Vincent Chow (front row, first left); and the Head of Countryside Conservation Office of the Environment and Ecology Bureau, Professor Stephen Tang (front row, first right), with representatives from organisations supporting the public engagement activities of National Ecology Day. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region held the National Ecology Day 2026 Launching Ceremony cum Symposium today (August 15). Photo shows the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan (front row, centre); member of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress and President of the Legislative Council, Dr Starry Lee (front row, right); and the Chairman of the Environment and Conservation Fund Committee, Dr Eric Cheng (front row, left), with representatives from organisations supporting the public engagement activities of National Ecology Day. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region held the National Ecology Day 2026 Launching Ceremony cum Symposium today (August 15). Witnessed by the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Mickey Lai (first right), and the Deputy Director of the Ocean Development Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, Mr Cheng Zhangmin (first left), the Assistant Director (Fisheries and Marine Conservation) of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Dr Jim Chu (second right), and the Director of the Shenzhen Ocean Development Promotion Center, Mr Chen Hao (second left), signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Co-operation in Coral Conservation and Marine Conservation Public Education. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region held the National Ecology Day 2026 Launching Ceremony cum Symposium today (August 15). Photo shows the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing (front row, seventh left); the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan (front row, sixth left) the Deputy Director-General of the Social Development Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Ye Shuiqiu (front row, fifth right); and member of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress and President of the Legislative Council, Dr Starry Lee (front row, sixth right), with guests at the event. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, attended the National Ecology Day 2026 Launching Ceremony cum Symposium today (August 15). Photo shows (from left) the Deputy Director-General of the Social Development Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Ye Shuiqiu; Mr Cheuk; member of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress and the Chairman of the Legislative Council, Dr Starry Lee, and the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, at the ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Member of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress and President of the Legislative Council, Dr Starry Lee, speaks at the National Ecology Day 2026 Launching Ceremony cum Symposium today (August 15). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, speaks at the National Ecology Day 2026 Launching Ceremony cum Symposium today (August 15). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DH reminds public to take precautions against heat-related illnesses during very hot weather

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (August 16) reminded members of the public to take appropriate precautions against heat-related illnesses, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, during very hot weather.

In a high-temperature environment, excessive sweating and difficulty in heat dissipation can cause stress to the body. Members of the public should take the following precautions:

• Hydrate in a timely manner to prevent dehydration;
• Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting and breathable clothing to minimise heat absorption and facilitate perspiration and heat dissipation;
• Keep indoor areas well ventilated and maintain appropriate temperature and humidity, e.g. by opening windows or using a fan or air-conditioning;
• Avoid strenuous exercise and prolonged activities such as hiking or trekking;
• Arrange outdoor activities in the morning or the late afternoon, if possible, and bring enough water; and
• Avoid beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, as well as alcoholic beverages, which may speed up water loss through the urinary system.

In addition, infants and children, the elderly, pregnant women, individuals with chronic illnesses such as heart disease or high blood pressure, overweight people and outdoor/manual workers are more susceptible to heat stroke. These groups should pay special attention to the following:

• Infants and young children: Avoid going outside when the temperature is high. If they must go outside, adults should ensure they stay in places with moderate temperatures and good ventilation or air-conditioning. Infants and young children should never be left unattended in a confined space such as a vehicle;
• The elderly, pregnant women, individuals with chronic illnesses and overweight people: Pay close attention to health conditions and seek help as soon as possible if experiencing any abnormalities in health indicators such as blood pressure, heart rate, etc or if there are fluctuations in health conditions. Avoid going out when the temperature is high. Make sure there is good ventilation, or turn on a fan or air-conditioner to keep an appropriate temperature indoors. High temperatures can also worsen the condition of people with chronic illnesses (such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases). Therefore, they should have an ample supply of their usual medication and keep in contact with family members, neighbours and the community. People should seek immediate help if they feel unwell.
• Outdoor/manual workers: Reschedule work to cooler hours as far as feasible. If working in a hot environment is unavoidable, provide shade where practicable and use ventilation and heat dissipation equipment. Once work has begun, gradually adjust the pace of work and take breaks in the shade to regain strength.

The DH reminded the public that heat stroke is one of the most common health risks in hot weather. Over the past five years, there have been over 200 hospital admissions due to heat stroke each year in Hong Kong, with two to five fatal cases occurring mainly during the summer months from May to September. Vulnerable groups are more susceptible to heat stroke. Symptoms include dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion. In severe cases, patients may suffer from convulsions or become unconscious, which can be life-threatening if they are not cooled down and resuscitated in a timely manner.

Members of the public are also advised to pay attention to the latest weather, as well as the real-time and forecasted ultraviolet (UV) index released by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV index is high (6 or above), the public should note the following:

• Avoid direct sunlight exposure to the skin and the eyes;
• Apply broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen liberally, with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 or higher, when participating in outdoor activities. Reapply every two hours if staying outdoors for long periods, or after swimming, sweating or towelling off;
• While using DEET-containing insect repellents for personal protection against mosquito-borne diseases, apply sunscreen before insect repellent;
• Seek shade;
• Wear UV-blocking sunglasses;
• Wear loose-fitting clothing with long-sleeves; and
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella.

If symptoms develop, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion, rest and seek help immediately, and seek medical advice as soon as possible.

For more health information, the public may visit theCHP's heat strokepage andUV radiation page; the HKO's Dial-a-Weather (1878 200),latestweather report and forecast,UV Indexand weather information forhiking and mountaineering; andpress releasesof the Labour Departmenton precautions against heat stroke for outdoor workers and their employers when the Heat Stress at Work Warning is in force.

Source: AI-found images