Arup and WWF have joined forces to set the standards for Nature-based Solutions in rural development in Hong Kong. Their collaborative research report, ‘Designing a Sustainable Rural Township With Nature-based Solutions,’ offers practical insights for incorporating NbS into the planning of Hong Kong’s rural areas to drive sustainable development.
The study focuses on Lantau’s Mui Wo as a case study, highlighting the challenges faced by peri-urban landscapes in Hong Kong. It emphasizes the need to balance economic and social development with environmental conservation. The research proposes six actionable NbS for Mui Wo, which can also be applied to New Development Areas (NDAs). These solutions include establishing a water buffalo park, developing an eco-shoreline, promoting regenerative agriculture, increasing aerial greening, building an integrated wetland treatment system, and river revitalization.
These NbS aim to address environmental challenges and enhance the overall sustainability of the area. The report is set to serve as a guide for various stakeholders, including the government, developers, and other relevant sectors, to prioritize sustainability in rural development, encourage green financing, and boost Hong Kong’s green economy.
The launch event on 17th April featured speeches by Dr. Vincent Cheng, Arup Fellow and East Asia Climate and Sustainability Services Leader, and Nicole Wong, CEO of WWF-Hong Kong. The event also included a panel discussion led by Wong Kam Sing, Former Secretary for the Environment, with panelists from environmental, property, utilities, and urban planning sectors. The panelists shed light on implementing NbS in Hong Kong’s NDAs and seizing opportunities in TNFD reporting.
The collaboration between Arup and WWF-Hong Kong signifies a significant step in environmental conservation. Nature-based Solutions present a promising approach to tackle environmental and societal challenges in Hong Kong. Nicole Wong, CEO of WWF-Hong Kong, advocates for embracing NbS in new development projects to harmonize nature conservation and development.
Dr. Bosco Chan, Director of Conservation at WWF-Hong Kong, echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of integrating NbS in Hong Kong’s development projects. He sees NbS as a way to align nature conservation with urban development.
The research report ‘Designing a Sustainable Rural Township With Nature-based Solutions’ is a valuable resource for guiding sustainable rural development in Hong Kong. It underscores the significance of incorporating NbS to create a balance between development and environmental conservation, setting a precedent for future projects in the region.
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