AFCD Plants 30 "Corals of Hope" to Celebrate 30th Anniversary of Marine Parks

AFCD plants 30 "Corals of Hope" to celebrate 30th anniversary of marine parks

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of marine parks, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (November 2) held the "Corals of Hope" planting ceremony, bringing together members of the community to plant 30 "Corals of Hope" at Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park and working together to protect the marine ecosystem.

Officiating at the ceremony, the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, said that coral communities are a precious natural asset of Hong Kong. Over the past 30 years since the establishment of Hong Kong's first batch of marine parks and marine reserve, marine parks have not only protected marine habitats, but also served as important venues for conducting scientific research and enabling the public to learn about and get close to the ocean. Today's "Corals of Hope" planting ceremony stands as a testament to the long-standing collaboration among the Government, academic institutions, Hong Kong and Shenzhen, and society. The Government will also continue to advance the goals of the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) by expanding the network of marine protected areas in an orderly manner, protecting and restoring habitats and species, as well as enhancing biodiversity in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Hong Kong possesses rich biodiversity and natural ecology. More than 80 species of hard corals have been recorded in Hong Kong, accounting for about one-tenth of the global species, and are of remarkably high ecological value. Since the establishment of Hong Kong's first batch of marine parks and marine reserve in 1996, Hong Kong now has eight marine parks and one marine reserve, with a total area of 8 517 hectares, protecting diverse marine habitats, including precious coral communities. In addition to the statutory protection provided by marine parks and the marine reserve, the AFCD has over the years actively protected local corals through long-term monitoring, scientific research, public education, and the formulation and implementation of habitat restoration strategies. Moreover, the AFCD is forging ahead with the designation of Sharp Island Marine Park to protect the important coral communities on the eastern and western sides of Sharp Island. The "Corals of Hope" planted on this occasion were propagated in local laboratories and transplanted to Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park, where the water quality is excellent, providing an ideal growing environment for the corals. The AFCD hopes this initiative will encourage all sectors of society to join hands in protecting Hong Kong's precious marine resources.

Under the theme "Together We Treasure, Together We Explore", the AFCD is organising a series of events to celebrate the 30th anniversary of marine parks this year, including roving exhibitions, eco-tours, workshops and diverse experiential activities to showcase Hong Kong's rich marine biodiversity and years of conservation achievements, and to encourage the public to experience first-hand the natural beauty of marine parks and actively participate in marine ecological conservation. For event details and registration, please visit the marine parks' 30th anniversary webpage:

www.afcd.gov.hk/english/country/cou_vis/cou_vis_mar/cou_vis_mar_wha/cou_vis_mar_cel.html.

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of marine parks, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department today (November 2) held the "Corals of Hope" planting ceremony, bringing together members of the community to plant 30 "Corals of Hope" at Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park and working together to protect the marine ecosystem. Photo shows divers transporting juvenile corals to designated areas in Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park for outplanting. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of marine parks, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department today (November 2) held the "Corals of Hope" planting ceremony, bringing together members of the community to plant 30 "Corals of Hope" at Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park and working together to protect the marine ecosystem. Photo shows guests taking a boat to Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park following the ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of marine parks, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department today (November 2) held the "Corals of Hope" planting ceremony, bringing together members of the community to plant 30 "Corals of Hope" at Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park and working together to protect the marine ecosystem. Photo shows the "Corals of Hope" propagated in local laboratories, which will be transplanted to Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of marine parks, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department today (November 2) held the "Corals of Hope" planting ceremony, bringing together members of the community to plant 30 "Corals of Hope" at Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park and working together to protect the marine ecosystem. Photo shows (from left) Professor Apple Chui of the Chinese University of Hong Kong; Pro-Vice-Chancellor/Vice-President (Alumni/ Community Engagement & Institutional Advancement) of the Chinese University of Hong Kong Professor Anthony Chan; Deputy Director of Shenzhen Marine Development Promotion Center Mr Zhou Kai; the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Mickey Lai; Legislative Council (LegCo) Member Mr Steven Ho; the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan; LegCo Member Ms Judy Chan; LegCo Member Mr Chan Pok-chi; the Deputy Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Patrick Lai; the Chairman of the Country and Marine Parks Board, Professor Kenneth Leung; and the Chairman of the Marine Parks Committee, Professor Qiu Jianwen, officiating at the ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of marine parks, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (November 2) held the "Corals of Hope" planting ceremony, bringing together members of the community to plant 30 "Corals of Hope" at Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park and working together to protect the marine ecosystem. Photo shows the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Mickey Lai (right), and Professor Apple Chui (left) of the Chinese University of Hong Kong introducing coral restoration work. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of marine parks, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department today (November 2) held the "Corals of Hope" planting ceremony, bringing together members of the community to plant 30 "Corals of Hope" at Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park and working together to protect the marine ecosystem. Photo shows the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, speaking at the ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKETO Berlin promotes Hong Kong's green transition experience in Vienna

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin (HKETO Berlin), promotes Hong Kong's green transition experience at the 11th Bridge for Cities forum in Vienna, Austria.

The conference, organised by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, was held in Vienna, Austria on October 28 to 30 (Vienna time). It brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and urban development experts from around the world to share experiences and exchange ideas on sustainable urban development and green transition.

On October 29 (Vienna time), the Director of HKETO Berlin, Mr Indiana Wong, joined a panel to share Hong Kong's role as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" under the Belt and Road Initiative. He also presented the strategies outlined under Hong Kong's Climate Action Plan 2050, as well as the city's progress in transitioning towards a low-carbon economy.

"We have set targets of phasing out coal-fired electricity generation and ceasing new registrations of fuel-propelled private cars by 2035, demonstrating Hong Kong's commitment to promoting green transition and achieving carbon neutrality. As a leading international financial centre and an international centre for innovation and technology, Hong Kong's strengths in finance and innovation enable cross-sector collaboration to accelerate the green transition." Mr Wong said.

During the visit, Mr Wong also met with the Permanent Representative and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations Office at Vienna and Other International Organisations in Vienna, Mr Li Song; and the Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Republic of Austria, Mr Wang Tao, to exchange views on strengthening collaboration between Hong Kong and Austria.

About HKETO Berlin

HKETO Berlin is the official representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in commercial relations and other economic and trade matters in Germany as well as Austria, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Switzerland.

HKETO Berlin promotes Hong Kong's green transition experience in Vienna Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKETO Berlin promotes Hong Kong's green transition experience in Vienna Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKETO Berlin promotes Hong Kong's green transition experience in Vienna Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKETO Berlin promotes Hong Kong's green transition experience in Vienna Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases