Our Impact
In 2023, our school outreach program of Coral Academy allowed us to engage with nearly 10,000 students and teachers from 28 schools. Concurrently, we made dedicated efforts to promote the importance of coral conservation to the general public through various platforms, with the aim of increasing awareness about Hong Kong's coral communities and restoration work. We firmly believe that the activities and first-hand experiences provided by Coral Academy will enhance participants' understanding of environmental threats and conservation efforts in the marine ecosystem. Through this increased awareness, we hope to inspire individuals to make personal changes in their behavior and actively contribute to environmental conservation efforts.
Secondary School Coral Nursery Education Programme
We are thrilled to celebrate the fourth year of our "Secondary School Coral Nursery Education Programme," made possible by the generous support of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD). This year, we are delighted to have the participation of over 200 students and teachers from 18 schools. Throughout the programme, students and teachers engage in a comprehensive curriculum that explores coral biology and ecology. They actively participate in workshops, seminars, and hands-on activities focused on coral tank maintenance and the monitoring of coral growth and health. To further enrich their learning experience, we have curated a collection of engaging e-learning materials that deepen students' understanding of coral nurseries.
In an exciting development, this year marks the introduction of an unprecedented opportunity for students to witness coral transplantation first-hand in the ocean after COVID. This invaluable experience allows them to witness the direct impact of their conservation efforts.
For a detailed overview of the programme's achievements, we invite you to explore the comprehensive summary of the 2020 programme, which contains further information:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJj9-REVws4
Outplant Day in year 2021-2023:
https://youtu.be/gv0T1aouRoc
ECF Youth Coral Ambassador Programme
Coral Academy, with generous support from the Environment and Conservation Fund, proudly presents the Youth Coral Conservation Ambassadors Program. This transformative initiative has engaged over 40 enthusiastic students from 6 schools. Through a series of immersive workshops and two captivating field trips providing diving experiences, the students have gained in-depth knowledge about the significance of coral conservation.
Equipped with their newfound expertise, these aspiring ambassadors are now poised to make a meaningful impact. They will harness their creativity and passion to design compelling public outreach activities, effectively disseminating marine conservation messages within schools and throughout diverse community spheres.
By empowering these young minds to become advocates for our precious coral ecosystems, Coral Academy is fostering a generation of leaders who will actively contribute to the preservation of our marine environments.
Citizen Scientist Programme
Coral Academy is delighted to announce its inaugural collaboration with the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department (AFCD) in hosting the Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park Citizen Scientist Programme. This exciting initiative invites individuals to actively participate in marine surveys focused on nudibranchs, fish, and coral. Each survey was conducted three times, ensuring comprehensive data collection.
To ensure the smooth execution of the programme, we have assembled a dedicated team of 13 highly skilled team leaders who were trained to provide guidance and support to participants throughout their research journey.
Our primary objective is to offer participants a unique opportunity to develop a deeper connection with the coral communities in Hong Kong through hands-on research experiences. By actively engaging in data collection, citizen scientists will contribute to the establishment of baseline information about the ecosystem in Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park. The invaluable data collected by our citizen scientists will serve as a resource for future research, conservation efforts, and the overall management of Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park. Together, we can make a significant impact in understanding and preserving our precious marine environments.
Memorandum of understanding with WWF-HK
In 2023, Coral Academy renewed its close collaboration with WWF Hong Kong to a 3-year MOU. We are continuing our efforts to promote coral conservation and education in partnership with the Hong Kong Jockey Club HSBC WWF Hong Kong Hoi Ha Wan Marine Life Centre. This year, we organized three Citizen Scientist events, leading the public in coral restoration activities. Coral Academy conducted Coral Base Design Workshops, and now WWF Hong Kong will take the baton. This collaboration ensures that the educational and professional knowledge of Coral Academy can be fully utilized, leading to increased public awareness of the threats facing coral and its conservation status.
WWF-HK About Life (p.2-3):
https://wwfhk.awsassets.panda.org/downloads/20230904_aboutlife_sep2023_web.pdf
Press release:
https://www.cpr.cuhk.edu.hk/en/press/cuhk-and-wwf-join-forces-to-revive-hong-kongs-corals/
Programme details:
https://revivingourcorals.wwf.org.hk/en/
Online Pledge Campaign with The Body Shop
We are delighted to be supported by The Body Shop in organizing an online pledge campaign. For each online commitment received, The Body Shop generously donates HKD $1 to support the coral conservation efforts undertaken in collaboration between WWF Hong Kong and Coral Academy. This campaign received extensive media coverage, with 26 media organizations conducting over 40 interviews and reports.
https://www.facebook.com/TheBodyShopHongKong/videos/1287040945296957?locale=zh_HK
Efforts to Promote Coral Conservation
In 2023, Coral Academy made significant strides in public outreach efforts. We conducted over 50 lectures, reaching a diverse audience of more than 8,000 participants from various organizations. Complementing these educational talks, we developed engaging materials and captivating short films, all aimed at capturing public attention and fostering a greater awareness of coral and marine conservation.
As part of our commitment to community engagement, Coral Academy collaborated with esteemed institutions such as the Education Bureau, Outdoor Wildlife Learning HK, UNESCO Hong Kong, and local schools to organize interactive coral conservation workshops. Additionally, we introduced innovative VR underwater research workshops, providing a unique and immersive learning experience for participants. Recognizing the importance of school involvement, Coral Academy gratefully accepted the invitation from Ocean Park to share our team's inspirational journey in coral restoration with 200 local school principals, further deepening their understanding of coral conservation.
Furthermore, Coral Academy actively responded to invitations from prominent events and venues. At the MOSTown New Town Plaza, we hosted the "Precious Marine Resources - Hong Kong Coral Exhibition" during the summer, showcasing valuable coral specimens and the process of coral restoration. This exhibition served as a catalyst for increasing public knowledge and appreciation of Hong Kong's coral and the importance of its conservation. Coral Academy also participated in the DRT Show, a renowned event in the diving community. We set up an engaging booth, conducted informative lectures, interactive games, and encouraged visitors to make personal commitments to marine conservation.
Dr. Apple Chui, the founder of Coral Academy, has conducted numerous public lectures and presentations related to coral conservation. These include appearances on Hong Kong Radio Television's program "Hong Kong Stories – Investors in Hong Kong" and "Hong Kong Chronicles: Episode 292 - Beautiful Underwater World: Restoring Coral Ecology." Dr. Chui has also been featured on TVB's program "Sunday Report," HOY TV's program "City Focus," and Phoenix TV's program "Hong Kong Nature Stories: Ocean Edition Part 2."
• Phoenix TV Hong Kong Nature Stories《香港自然故事》海洋篇(上）
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ld3yqfa7hOM
• Phoenix TV Hong Kong Nature Stories《香港自然故事》海洋篇(下）
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltIMUxe5UAo
• TVB News 星期日檔案
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkcexJ-Xnew
• 大自然深度遊：西貢海之藝術(4K）
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5KbJ5WVmnk
