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The Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong (OPCFHK) held the kick-off ceremony for the 30th Ocean Park Conservation Day. (Front row, from left) Melody Li, volunteer of OPCFHK; Yvonne Li, volunteer of OPCFHK; Howard Chuk, Foundation Director of OPCFHK; Ysanne Chan, Trustee Member of OPCFHK; Simon Wong, Trustee Member of OPCFHK; Priscilla Wong, OPCFHK Ambassador; Paulo Pong, Chair of OPCFHK and Chairman of Ocean Park Corporation, Diane Wong, Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology Bureau; Mickey Lai, Director of Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation and Trustee Member of OPCFHK; Ivan Wong, Ivan Wong, Trustee Member of OPCFHK and Chief Executive of Ocean Park Corporation; Chan Hoi Wan, OPCFHK Conservation Ambassador; Wong Yung-kan, volunteer of OPCFHK; and Peter Wong, Fundraising Committee member of OPCFHK; (Back row) Jim Chu, Assistant Director (Fisheries & Marine Conservation), Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (fourth from left); Francis Cheng, Fundraising Committee member of OPCFHK (fourth from right) ; Harry Chan, OPCFHK Ambassador (third from left); and Sarah Zhuang, OPCFHK Ambassador (second from left).
(Hong Kong, 18 November 2025) The Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong (OPCFHK) today announced that its annual flagship event, Ocean Park Conservation Day, will be held at Ocean Park on 6-7 December 2025. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the event is themed "Embracing Nature Diversity Together." Through a series of engaging and educational activities, it aims to raise public awareness of the survival threats faced by endangered wildlife species including giant pandas, corals, Chinese white dolphins, freshwater turtles, horseshoe crabs and yellow-breasted buntings, while calling upon the community to join hands to safeguard the natural ecosystems of Hong Kong and Asia.
Mr Paulo Pong, Chair of Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong, and Chairman of Ocean Park Corporation, stated, “This year marks the 30th anniversary of OPCFHK. Uniting scientific and community efforts to protect Asian wildlife and natural ecosystems has always been our unwavering mission. The annual Ocean Park Conservation Day serves as an exceptional platform to enhance public awareness of environmental protection and to drive collective efforts in combating the pressing ecological crises. We believe that deepening public understanding of the importance of protecting natural ecosystems, along with encouraging sustainable practices in everyday life, is essential for creating a more harmonious and liveable future for ourselves, next generations, and all species."
Diane Wong, Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology Bureau pointed out a number of concrete results has been achieved since the government formulated the Hong Kong Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (BSAP) in 2016. These included the establishment of more terrestrial and marine protected areas, implementation of a complete ban on the local ivory trade, and the launch of Hong Kong’s largest open biodiversity database. The government plans to update the BSAP in light of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the China National Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and Action Plan (2023–2030), and Hong Kong’s own circumstances, in order to foster public participation and cross-sector collaboration for the promotion of biodiversity locally, nationally, and globally.
She stated: “The nation consistently asserts that nature is the fundamental basis on which humanity depends for survival and development. We must plan for development from the perspective of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, implementing development that aligns with the ideology that ‘lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.’ The HKSAR Government upholds the national guidelines on ecological conservation and actively promotes nature preservation in the territory, striving to build a beautiful China and a beautiful Hong Kong.”
Urgent call for conservation: protecting endangered species and natural resources
As climate change and human activities increasingly threaten the survival of endangered wildlife, immediate conservation efforts are essential. This year, the Ocean Park Conservation Day will adopt the theme "Embracing Nature Diversity Together" to address the critical challenges that various species are facing, including habitat loss for giant pandas, coral bleaching driven by global warming, marine debris that poses severe risks to Chinese white dolphins and horseshoe crabs, illegal poaching and trade of freshwater turtles, as well as overexploitation of yellow-breasted buntings. To tackle these issues, OPCFHK is committed to enhancing public awareness and community engagement in ecological conservation through targeted education and outreach initiatives.
During the kick-off ceremony, OPCFHK Ambassador Priscilla Wong Tsui-yu, shared her views on wildlife and habitat protection. She said, “In recent years, the world has experienced extreme weather events and Hong Kong has not been exempt from these impacts. This highlights the vital connection between environmental protection and our daily lives. In fact, safeguarding wildlife can start with simple everyday practices, such as minimising plastic use, supporting recycling and saving energy. These actions can effectively reduce harm to nature and help protect the habitats of wildlife species. Additionally, participating in local volunteer conservation activities allows us to enjoy the beauty of nature while contributing to the protection of the environment and Hong Kong's biodiversity.”
Joint forces to embrace natural ecosystems
One of this year's key programmes is the "Safeguarding the Lantau Intertidal Mudflat Biodiversity" initiative, funded by the Lantau Conservation Fund. This programme aims to raise awareness among local residents, fishermen, students and tourism operators about the ecological value of intertidal mudflat ecosystem through educational and community engagement activities. Local residents are recruited as "Lantau Mudflat Wardens," participating in scientific surveys, conservation efforts and advocacy initiatives. Their involvement enhances the effectiveness of mudflat habitat monitoring while promoting public awareness of Lantau’s mudflat conservation. The project covers four ecologically valuable mudflats: Tung Chung Bay, Shui Hau, Pui O, and Tai O, providing local protection for the natural environment.
OPCFHK is committed to the preservation of freshwater habitats in Hong Kong. Although freshwater resources comprise only a small portion of the territory, many residents rely on these resources to meet their daily needs. This year, OPCFHK continues to recruit students as "Student Freshwater Conservation Educators," facilitating river and stream clean-ups, and organise guided tours and educational exhibitions to protect local freshwater turtles and their vital ecosystems. Additionally, the Foundation’s "Stream Conservation Warden" programme engages with experienced hikers by providing training for them to identify and safely remove suspected turtle-catching devices, while encouraging public participation in clean-up efforts around nearby freshwater habitats. These initiatives not only help protect freshwater turtles but also raise awareness within the community regarding freshwater ecosystems.
To reduce the impact of ocean debris on wildlife species, OPCFHK regularly organises coastal and underwater clean-ups to remove abandoned fishing gear (commonly called “ghost nets”), plastic bottles and other rubbish. In 2024-25, the OPCFHK team, along with volunteers, collected over three tonnes of ghost nets and other marine debris.
OPCFHK also partners with the Hong Kong China Underwater Association to organise the Ghost Net Awareness Enhancement Programme. Supported by the Environmental and Conservation Fund, over 50 diving enthusiasts participated in an indoor training session and at least three citizen science activities last year. Through the programme, they learned more about Hong Kong’s marine ecology and biodiversity, ocean plastic pollution and its impact on marine life, as well as the code of conduct and safety of handling marine litter. In additional to ghost nets and coastal clean-up activities, the programme incorporates citizen science elements to collect data on abandoned fishing gear, shoreline debris, and microplastic levels in nearby water bodies. By including citizen science, OPCFHK aims to provide participants with firsthand insights into local marine pollution issues, particularly the impact of abandoned fishing gear on marine ecosystems, while promoting active involvement in marine conservation.
Gratitude for 30 years of support
OPCFHK extends its heartfelt gratitude to various government departments, sponsors, corporations, conservation experts, scientists, the academic and educational community, local residents and organisations, as well as dedicated volunteers for their unwavering support over the past three decades. Through the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, OPCFHK has made remarkable strides in advancing research, education, and community conservation initiatives, making a significant and lasting impact on the natural ecology of Hong Kong and Asia. Moving forward, the Foundation remains committed to partnering with all sectors to safeguard the natural environment.
The 30th Ocean Park Conservation Day will feature a range of educational and interactive booths, games, and workshops centred around different endangered species, including workshops to create eco-friendly soaps and ocean-friendly sunscreen. Participants will receive various gifts upon completing the games. They are also invited to join special guided tours and themed talks presented by scientists, providing families of all ages to learn more about wildlife conservation in an engaging manner. Together, we can contribute to safeguarding our natural environment.
In addition, OPCFHK will organise Run for Survival 2025 on 7 December, bringing people together through running and channelling collective energy into conservation action. Participants will become conservation heroes, running through Ocean Park in different races, including 5km Timed Challenge, 4km Fitness Run for individual and family (3-4 persons), and 1km Little Hero Run (family 3-4 persons). Together, let’s protect biodiversity and run for a better future.
The 30th Ocean Park Conservation Day Details
Date: 6-7 December 2025 (Saturday and Sunday)
Time: 10am – 5:30pm
Venue: Ocean Park, Hong Kong
Run for Survival 2025 Details
Date: 7 December 2025 (Sunday)
Time: 6:30am – 9:30am (Races start from 7:30am)
Venue: Ocean Park, Hong Kong
Website: https://www.opcf.org.hk/en/introduction-and-registration
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