HONG KONG – Citing Mui Wo as an example, the World Wide Fund for Nature-Hong Kong and a global sustainable development consultancy released on Wednesday a research report providing practical insights for integrating “Nature-based Solutions” into the planning of Hong Kong’s rural districts for sustainable development.
WWF-HK and Arup’s joint research report “Designing a Sustainable Rural Township With Nature-based Solutions” highlighted the importance of balancing economic and social development with environmental conservation.
Nature-based Solutions have significant, but currently, underutilized potential to help address global challenges such as climate change, food and water security, and biodiversity loss, Bosco Chan, Director of Conservation of WWF-Hong Kong, told China Daily
“Through this case study, we aim to inspire individuals, communities, policymakers, and businesses to embrace Nature-based Solutions as a fundamental part of our urban development agenda,” Vincent Cheng, Arup Fellow and East Asia Climate and Sustainability Services Leader, said at the launching ceremony.
The study proposed establishing in Mui Wo a water buffalo park, developing an eco-shoreline, promoting regenerative agriculture, increasing aerial greening, building an integrated wetland treatment system, and river revitalization.
According to the research proponents, these solutions aim to address the environmental challenges and enhance the overall sustainability of Mui Wo, a rural town on the southeastern coast of Lantau island, adding that these could also be implemented in the territory’s other new development areas.
Nature-based Solutions have significant, but currently, underutilized potential to help address global challenges such as climate change, food and water security, and biodiversity loss, Bosco Chan, Director of Conservation of WWF-Hong Kong, told China Daily, adding that environmental concerns in urban and rural development will benefit future generations.
"We should acknowledge the value of nature and incorporate nature-based designs in the city planning and look forward to applying this new concept in more of the future projects." Claudia Yu, Arup's East Asia Nature Positive Design Leader said in a statement.
“Nature-based Solutions offer a promising approach to address many of the environmental and societal challenges facing Hong Kong,” said Nicole Wong, Chief Executive Officer of WWF-Hong Kong.
The event also included a panel discussion led by Wong Kam-sing, former secretary for the environment, with panelists from the environmental, property, utilities, and urban planning sectors.
Contact the writer at irismuk@chinadailyhk.com
