ECF Ecology and Conservation 101

Hong Kong has an impressively rich biodiversity and a high proportion of protected areas. Due to the island’s remoteness, the diversity and ecology of wildlife in Lantau, especially in southern Lantau is not well studied.

In view of this, Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong (OPCFHK) launched the “Ecology and Biodiversity 101” – a secondary school student engagement and education program between 2018-2019 with the support from the Environment and Conservation Fund (ECF). The programme aims to inspire students through their participation in the program and that they will develop an understanding and appreciation of biodiversity and be the next raising generation of ecologist.

Students from participating schools are given a series of lectures by professional field ecologists and academics on biodiversity, ecology and conservation during the school year. Following these lectures, several field trips and field technique workshops will be organized for selected groups of students. Under experts’ guidance, students get to design and conduct their own ecological project on Lantau biodiversity as well as a public engagement exhibition.

Knowledge Building

Through a series of lectures, guided tours, and field projects, students get an opportunity to learn about ecology and biodiversity of Lantau, gain valuable experience in basic field ecological research (with guidance from ecologists), and develop an appreciation for nature and a desire to pursue further studies in ecology and biodiversity conservation.

Biodiversity and Ecology lectures

During the 40-minutes lecture by a university professor or the project manager, students learn about the ecosystems and biodiversity found in Hong Kong and they are guided to appreciate the diverse ecosystem functions provided by these ecosystems. Students are also introduced to basic ecological principles and their implications on conservation.

 

Field trips

A series of field trips to Tung O Ancient Trail and animal exhibits at Ocean Park Hong Kong allow students to be familiar with different life forms and gain perspectives on in situ/ex situ conservation.

 

Field technique training workshops

Students attend different field technique workshops where they learn basic surveying skills for amphibians, mammals, insects, dolphins and other wildlife. After the workshop, they conduct their own field projects in Lantau, with guidance and supervision from staff and ecologists of OPCFHK.

Public Engagement

In 2018/19, 100 students from 10 schools joined the “Ecology and Conservation 101” programme. After a year of learning and practicing field techniques, students developed their own survey project and poster presentation.

Poster Competition

100 students from 2018/19 “Ecology and Conservation 101” were divided into 20 groups to conduct their own research project. Upon the completion of their projects, students presented their results in poster format and submitted their work for a poster competition. Respected local ecologists and conservationists were invited to be judges while public participated in online voting.

 

Poster Competition 2018/19 Result (Click here to view posters):

“Inter-school Poster Design Competition – Professional Judges”

Champion: Lin Liang Church E Wun Secondary School (Group A)

First runner-up: Po Leung Kuk Lo Kit Sing (1983) College (Group B)

Second runner-up: Po On Commercial Association Wong Siu Ching Secondary School (Group B)

“Inter-school Poster Design Competition – Public Voting with Most ‘Likes’ Online”

Winner: TWGHs Mrs Wu York Yu Memorial College (Group A)

Exhibition

The Lantau Biodiversity Exhibition was held at D ‧ Park on 28-29 September 2019 to showcase the students’ works as well as further engage the public. Local NGOs (Yi O Farm and WWF HK) were invited to set-up booths on-site to share about local wildlife issues with the public.