News & Events

On 4 May 2026, ENVS5118 students participated in an excursion to Ocean Park, organised by the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, to learn about the conservation of local freshwater turtles. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, over half of the world’s freshwater turtle species are under threat. Native species in Hong Kong, such as the Chinese three-striped box turtle and the big-headed turtle, are classified as Critically Endangered. During the visit, students toured the nurseries of the Beale’s-eyed turtle and gained close insight into conservation efforts for this species, which has fewer than 100 individuals remaining in the wild in Hong Kong. Read more

On 7 May 2026, our ENVS 5118 students visited the orchid nurseries and Walter Kerr Garden at Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden. The tour was led by our guest lecturer, Dr. Stephen Gale, who spearheads orchid conservation both in situ and ex situ in Hong Kong, South China, and the wider Indo-Burma region, and is a member of the IUCN SSC Orchid Specialist Group. The nurseries showcased a remarkable diversity of orchids, carefully cultivated to support conservation and protect endangered species. The visit deepened students’ understanding of orchids and highlighted the importance of preserving biodiversity. Read more

On 19 March and 26 March 2026, MSc EHS students participated in a field excursion to Lamma Island, focusing on both environmental conservation and renewable energy development. A key highlight of the visit was Hong Kong’s only commercial‑scale wind power facility, Lamma Winds, where students gained first‑hand exposure to the practical application of wind energy in the local context. During the visit, students observed various wildlife species, including shorebirds such as the Pacific Reef Heron, Little Egret, and Great Egret along the coastline. Butterfly species, including the Common Bluebottle and Great Eggfly, were also spotted among the flowering vegetation. Through the combination of ecological observations and the study of wind power infrastructure, the field trip enhanced students’ understanding of local biodiversity and the role of renewable energy in promoting sustainable development in Hong Kong. Read more

On 26 February 2026, MSc EHS students undertook a field visit to Fung Yuen Butterfly Reserve, a 42‑hectare protected area located close to Tai Po Town Centre. The visit introduced students to one of Hong Kong’s most important butterfly conservation sites. Since its establishment in 2005, the reserve has played a vital role in biodiversity protection and is now known for supporting more than 200 butterfly species, which make up about 90% of Hong Kong’s recorded butterfly diversity. Read more

During our ENVS5112 course visit to T·PARK in Tuen Mun on November 19, 2025, we explored Hong Kong's first self-sufficient sludge treatment facility. This impressive site, built at a cost of HK$5.3 billion, processes up to 2,000 tons of sludge daily. T·PARK focuses on "turning waste into energy," using advanced technology to reduce sludge volume by 90% while generating electricity for its operations and local households.   We learned about the seawater desalination plant and the zero wastewater discharge system, making T·PARK a leading example of sustainability. Its innovative design and educational features inspire environmental action and set a model for Hong Kong’s future. Read more

On October 8 and 16, 2025, our ENVS5112 class visited WEEE Park in Tuen Mun. We learnt about Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) disposal and environmental sustainability.   WEEE Park has five zones: the Exhibition Corridor, Unloading Bay, Buffer Storage, Processing Hall, and Dashboard Area. Each zone features engaging visuals and interactive activities to explain WEEE disposal's impact on health and the environment.   A highlight was the viewing gallery, where we observed the recycling processes in action. This experience deepened our understanding of how waste can be transformed into valuable resources, connecting our studies to real-world challenges. Read more

On 24th and 30th of April, our ENVS 5118 class visited Tai Kwun, the cultural heart of Hong Kong. It was inspiring to see how this historic site, once a police station and prison, has transformed into a vibrant arts and culture hub. Our tour guide led us through the former prison cells and police station, revealing fascinating stories behind their history. The blend of heritage and creativity made the visit truly memorable. Read more

On 17th of April, our ENVS 5118 class visited Kennedy Town in Hong Kong to explore its history and culture conservation. We walked along Forbes Street and admired the mature wall trees that quietly witness the area’s past. Then we visited the Lo Pan Temple, appreciating its beautiful architecture and spiritual importance. It was a great experience to learn about the local heritage and see how nature connects with history. Read more

On 16th of April, our ENVS5118 class explored the Mindspace Mental Health Experience Centre inside the Institute of Mental Health-Castle Peak Hospital. The five zones highlighted the history of psychiatric services in Hong Kong, the brain's role in mental illness, psychosocial therapies, and valuable resources. The Sensory Communication area let us experience the feelings of those with mental health challenges via VR technologies, and some recovered patients shared their stories at the end of our visit. Read more

During our recent visit on 6 March 2025 to the Fung Yuen Butterfly Reserve, a 42-hectare area situated just 2 kilometers from Tai Po Town Centre, we encountered a significant conservation site. This reserve is home to over 200 butterfly species, representing 90% of Hong Kong's butterfly population. Established in 2005, Fung Yuen is renowned for its rich biodiversity, distinctive landscapes, and protected woodlands. In the olden days, Fung Yuen Village is an agricultural site. Villagers had grown a variety of agricultural products including lychee, chinese cabbage, ginger lily, and banana. These products are also food for caterpillars, contributing to the area's diverse butterfly species. Overall, this reserve stands as a remarkable ecological treasure. Read more