SKLMP Members Contribute to 'Hong Kong Nature Stories', Illuminating Biodiversity and Conservation Efforts
The nature documentary series "Hong Kong Nature Stories” comprises 12 episodes, each lasting 26 minutes. Its purpose is to showcase Hong Kong's biodiversity, conservation practices, and sustainable development to a global audience by exploring the six natural wonders, including rocks, mountains, shores, ocean, fields, and wetlands.
The episode titled "Hong Kong Nature Stories: Ocean" and "Hong Kong Nature Stories: Shoreline" were filmed with the support of many members from the SKLMP.
Dr. Apple Chui, the founder of the Coral Academy, has dedicated several years to collaborating with the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department on the Secondary School Coral Nursery Programme. Her efforts are not only focused on protecting and restoring Hong Kong's degraded coral communities through coral cultivation but also on raising public awareness and understanding of Hong Kong's marine ecology and coral conservation through educational activities.
Dr. Leo Chan, the Associate Director of the SKLMP, is currently leading a team in a study that aims to create panoramic maps of underwater habitats in Hong Kong. By combining cutting-edge computer technology with a vast collection of precise photographs taken by divers, these maps provide an all-encompassing depiction of marine data, facilitating a better understanding of Hong Kong's underwater ecosystem.
In the documentary, Prof. Jianwen Qiu highlights the global trend towards mainstreaming biodiversity, emphasizes the need to raise public awareness about its importance, and discusses the challenging yet crucial task of balancing socio-economic development and ecological conservation in Hong Kong.
Prof. Kenneth Leung, the Director of the SKLMP, presents three research projects, including "Oysters Saves Our Seas (Oyster SOS)," " Eco-Seawalls," and " Global Estuaries Monitoring (GEM)." The Oyster SOS project focuses on utilizing discarded oyster shells to restore oyster reefs, creating habitats for marine organisms, while also incorporating a series of experiential educational activities for the public. Through collaboration with the Civil Engineering and Development Department, the Eco-Seawalls project has piloted an eco-seawall in Siu Ho Wan, New Territories. Both projects have made significant contributions to the enhancement of coastal biodiversity. Furthermore, the GEM project, recognized by the United Nations, has successfully engaged over 80 scientists worldwide in monitoring more than 130 estuaries and has plans to conduct research on a larger scale in the future.
Video Links:
https://youtu.be/ld3yqfa7hOM?si=wT2Zp3sgz_gA7Dw9
https://youtu.be/ltIMUxe5UAo?si=psdv2GefScKT-Td8
https://youtu.be/KtPGN__uVCc?si=o5V7osWvNPEG1w8v
https://youtu.be/5ncbkksKNXA?si=Et_NdydhfNjYs_Hp