KEL's 2nd Edition, Workshop on Implementing Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in Schools

On 19 December 2025, Civic Exchange hosted the Workshop on Implementing Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in Schools, with support from the Innovation and Technology Education Division of the Education Bureau.

We were honoured to invite a group of experienced practitioners as guest speakers. They included Mr Delton Li from Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, Ms Angie Ng from The Conservancy Association, Ms Carrie Cheung from Outdoor Wildlife Learning Hong Kong, Ms Ivy Wong from Weedsilience, Ms Melody Kong from Little Woods Nature Education, Ms Opal Ho from Farm the City, and Mr Kenneth Kwok from The Institution of Civil Engineers Hong Kong Association.

In the first session, Ms Kitty Tam and Mr Valentin Shen from Civic Exchange introduced the details and judging criteria of the “Nature-based Solutions: Building an Ecologically Civilised Campus”, and reminded participants of the competition timeline.

In the second session, the guest speakers shared practical NbS case studies and valuable experiences in designing and implementing related projects in school settings.

Mr Delton Li introduced the “Dutchman’s Pipe × Birdwing Butterfly Urban Habitat Creation Project”, explaining how the initiative contributes to biodiversity enhancement and its relevance to NbS.

Ms Angie Ng shared her experience in eco-gardening on school campuses, including rooftop farming, developing ecological ponds, mini-forests, and butterfly gardens. She emphasised that the goal is to create shared spaces for both people and wildlife.

Ms Carrie Cheung highlighted the importance of Environmental Education as a complement to NbS. She explained how the NbS framework provides concrete and effective action pathways for environmental education, while environmental education in turn raises awareness of environmental protection and sustainability, leading to the implementation of NbS projects.

Ms Ivy Wong discussed the diversity and ecological value of weeds, noting that more than 300 species of herbaceous plants have been found along roadsides in urban areas. She suggested incorporating weeds into planting beds as a low-cost solution with ecological functions.

Ms Melody Kong shared her experience in integrating nature-based education across different subjects beyond science and biology, using nature as a learning context to create linkages with existing curricula and teaching objectives.

Ms Opal Ho explained how farmland can contribute to biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration.

Mr Kenneth Kwok introduced NbS elements in the Tung Chung New Town Extension project and discussed how similar ideas could be applied to school campuses.

The sharing sessions were highly insightful and informative. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the speakers for their valuable contributions.