On 15 November 2024, Hong Kong 2050 is Now launched the Key Environmental Education Leaders (KEL) Programme Nature-based Solutions Webinar. The KEL Programme aims to empower educators to nurture the next generation of environmental leaders by offering comprehensive training to principals, teachers, and educators from local schools in Hong Kong.
We were honored to welcome Dr. Billy Hau from the University of Hong Kong and Mr. Kelvin So from WWF-Hong Kong as our guest speakers.
In the first half of the webinar, Dr. Hau introduced the definition and 8 principles of nature-based solutions (NbS), emphasising that the concept is dynamic and continues to evolve. He explained how forests can be utilised as an NbS in Hong Kong's Northern Metropolis to support the city's goals of becoming a sponge city and achieving carbon neutrality. Dr. Hau highlighted that adopting NbS in the Northern Metropolis could restore biodiversity, enhance carbon storage and sequestration—resulting in an estimated total carbon gain of 339,089 tC after reforestation—and reduce disaster risks such as landslides and wildfires. He concluded by stressing the importance of integrating forest NbS with other cities in the Greater Bay Area and reaffirmed its feasibility within the Northern Metropolis.
Next, Mr. Kelvin So shared valuable insights about the ocean and its critical role in supporting marine life. He explained that while coral reefs cover less than 0.1% of ocean area, they are home to 25% of marine biodiversity, provide a wide range of ecosystem services, making them an essential habitat for marine life. Mr. So reported alarming statistics: coral coverage in the Tolo Channel has dropped from 80% to 2%, and 50% of seagrass beds have disappeared in the past five years, underscoring the urgency of restoration efforts. To address this, WWF-HK is collaborating with Coral Academy, CUHK to restore coral communities using sexual and asexual propagation. He also highlighted the importance of education, sharing examples of training workshops and school programs offered by WWF-HK to raise awareness and encourage community involvement.
During the Q&A session, participants posed thoughtful questions, such as clarifications on the concept of NbS, ways schools can support or adopt NbS, the differences between NbS and conservation, and the availability of outdoor educational programs for students. These inquiries reflect a strong interest in the concept of NbS and a desire to learn more about its applications and benefits.
We are deeply thankful to our speakers for sharing their expertise and enthusiasm during the webinar, and we look forward to continuing the conversation on nature-based solutions in schools and across the education sector.
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