The Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong (OPCFHK) held its 30th Anniversary Kick-off Ceremony today. Officiating guests call for collective efforts to safeguard Asia’s biodiversity. (From the left) Jessica Ng, OPCFHK Ambassador; Wong Kam-sing, OPCFHK Ambassador; Howard Chuk, Foundation Director of OPCFHK; Paulo Pong, Foundation Chair of OPCFHK and Chairman of Ocean Park Corporation; Ivan Wong, Trustee Member of OPCFHK and Chief Executive of Ocean Park Corporation; Guo Jing-jing, Marine Conservation Ambassador of OPCFHK, Yvette Kong, OPCFHK Ambassador and Sarah Zhuang, OPCFHK Ambassador.
(Hong Kong, 30 April 2025) Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong (OPCFHK) today held its 30th Anniversary Kick-off Ceremony under the theme of 30 Years of Taking Forward Conservation: Together for Asia’s Biodiversity. Marking this milestone, OPCFHK reinforces its commitment to giant panda conservation – the Foundation’s flagship focus, while bolstering its dedication to safeguarding local biodiversity through support for two research projects in Hong Kong.
A series of conservation and fundraising activities were also unveiled, including a charity auction supported by the Foundation’s ambassadors, and a dog-friendly carnival, to encourage community support for the protection of precious species and natural ecosystems in Hong Kong and Asia.
For three decades, OPCFHK has been a steadfast champion of conservation through a wide range of impactful initiatives. From the influential No Straw Campaign and swift responses to 673 cetacean stranding cases in Hong Kong since 2006, and 109 sea turtle rescues since 2000, efforts to restore giant panda facilities in Sichuan, research on wild giant pandas, and its comprehensive, long-standing advocacy for horseshoe crab protection. Together, these initiatives exemplify OPCFHK's proactive approach to wildlife conservation and environmental protection.
Paulo Pong, Chair of Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong, and Chairman of Ocean Park Corporation (OPC), said, "Uniting scientific and community efforts to protect Asian wildlife and natural ecosystems has always been the unwavering mission of OPCFHK. As we celebrate 30 years of accomplishments, we reaffirm our deep commitment to preserving biodiversity by strengthening our focus on local conservation efforts. This includes supporting two critical local research projects which will provide invaluable insights into safeguarding Hong Kong’s natural heritage. At the same time, giant panda conservation remains central to the conservation and education work of both OPCFHK and OPC. We are thrilled to integrate the resources of both entities to achieve synergy and bring the largest impact."
Fundraising to support conservation efforts
In addition to celebrating 30 years of fruitful conservation pursuits, OPCFHK is rolling out a series of fundraising activities to call for businesses and the public to support local and Asian wildlife conservation. Key activities include:
OPCFHK 30th Anniversary Online Charity Auction
It’s a unique opportunity to own the adorable paw prints of the Hong Kong-born giant panda cub twins, a one-of-a-kind keepsake celebrating Hong Kong's newest treasures. Or perhaps you may prefer a photo and foil signed by "Fencing God" Cheung Ka-long, a private crochet workshop with OPCFHK Conservation Advocate Lau Chan Hoi-wan, a pottery session with OPCFHK Ambassador Gigi Leung, participation in Giant Panda Discovery with OPCFHK Ambassador Priscilla Wong, a butterfly-shaped ring from the Dancing Butterfly series designed by OPCFHK Ambassador Sarah Zhuang, or a framed guitar signed by Coldplay. These exclusive items and experiences are up for grabs, with all proceeds going directly to support OPCFHK's vital conservation work.
Prudential Presents: OPCFHK Pawservation Fest Carnival
Join us at Ocean Park on Friday, 30 May 2025 for the Pawservation Fest Carnival with a fun-filled day for you and your furry friends! This year's theme, Support Conservation with a Healthy and Paws-itive Attitude, encourages ecological conservation in a harmonious atmosphere between humans and pets. Bring your beloved dogs to Ocean Park to participate in interactive activities and enjoy nutritious snacks. Learn about pet care in themed talks and create conservation-themed artwork using palm and paw prints. Funds raised at the Pawservation Fest Carnival will directly support Asian wildlife conservation.
Giant panda conservation research
For many years, the giant panda has been the flagship species for OPCFHK. To date, the Foundation has supported over 90 research, education and capacity-building projects dedicated to the wild giant panda, with funding surpassing HK$30 million.
A notable project led by Professor Desheng Li, Deputy Director and Chief Expert of China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda, aims to deepen understanding of how reintroduced giant pandas adapt to the wild after human care. While some reintroduction efforts have been successful, gaps remain in understanding long-term behavioural adaptations. This study tracks the movement and foraging strategies of released giant pandas over time, comparing their behaviours with wild individuals. The findings will refine reintroduction models, ultimately improving future efforts to reintroduce pandas and other endangered species into the wild.
Local biodiversity research
The Hong Kong Biodiversity Conservation Fund established in 2024 aims to support research and conservation projects that protect and improve the habitats of local species.
These include a research project on the restoration of seagrass meadows in Hong Kong, led by Professor Juan Diego Gaitán-Espitia, Assistant Professor of the School of Biological Sciences at The University of Hong Kong (HKU); and a study focusing on old-growth forests in the territory, led by Professor Benoit Guénard, Associate Professor of the School of Biological Sciences at HKU.
The seagrass meadow project will combine the expertise of researchers with cutting-edge technology and local community support to co-restore and co-manage the rapidly diminishing feeding and breeding grounds of marine life in Hong Kong.
The old-growth forest study will involve in-depth entomological surveys in various old-growth forecast in Hong Kong, helping to illuminate the conservation potential of different forest types, and promote insect diversity and its ecological importance.