KEL's 2nd Edition, “Nature-based Solutions” Seminar for Teachers

To align with the national initiative of building ecological civilisation and support Hong Kong’s Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, ‘Nature-based Solutions: Building an ecologically civilised campus challenge’ is organised by Civic Exchange, and supported by the Innovation Technology Education Division of Education Bureau. We aim to empower schools to design NbS campus projects to address climate change and biodiversity loss through nature-based solutions (NbS), whilst enhancing secondary school students’ capability in applying STEAM-related knowledge, research capabilities and skills to solve real-life problems.

To inform schools about the arrangements for the competition and provide teachers with insights into NbS practice, we organised a Kick-off Seminar for teachers on 7 November 2025.

We were honoured to welcome Dr Billy Hau from the University of Hong Kong and Mr Hanif Falah from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Asia Regional Office, alongside our Young Environment Ambassadors, Ms Charlie Yip and Mr Valentin Shen, as guest speakers.

The seminar began with Dr Hau introducing the definition and eight principles of Nature-based Solutions, emphasising that NbS is not only about nature conversationn. He explored how nature-based approaches can address global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss, and clarified the differences between nature-based, nature-derived, and nature-inspired solutions. Dr Hau also highlighted that the NbS framework serves as a tool for designing, verifying, and scaling up solutions to address one or more societal challenges. Rather than a certification standard, it functions as a self-assessment framework to support continuous improvement.

Following this, Mr Hanif Falah introduced the second edition of the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions, offering teachers practical guidance and strategies for applying NbS concepts in the classroom. He suggested that even with limited space on school campuses, schools can implement NbS on a small scale, such as creating pocket gardens with native plant species and conducting basic biodiversity assessments. These small interventions can help connect fragmented urban habitats, encourage species movement, and contribute to biodiversity recovery.

Ms Charlie Yip and Mr Valentin Shen then shared their experiences of engaging in and implementing NbS projects in their schools. They emphasised the critical role of teachers in empowering young people and encouraging meaningful climate action.

The seminar also marked the official launch of the “NbS Campus Challenge.” During the session, Ms Kitty Tam, our Programme Lead, introduced the details of the challenge. We warmly encouraged schools to form teams and join this exciting initiative to turn their green ideas into reality.

During the Q&A session, participants raised thoughtful questions, including clarifications on NbS concepts, such as whether aquaponics can be considered an NbS, and how schools can further develop related initiatives. Participants also enquired about how YEA balance their academic commitments, including DSE examinations, with environmental activities. These discussions reflected strong interest in promoting NbS in schools and a keen desire to deepen understanding of its practical applications and benefits.

We are deeply grateful to all our speakers for generously sharing their expertise and insights, and for inspiring educators to advance Nature-based Solutions in environmental education.