The Hong Kong 2022 International Urban Forestry Conference, organised by the Development Bureau (DEVB), was conducted online today (March 2). The biennial event is one of the celebration activities for the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Under the theme "Well-being: Our Urban Forest‧Our Community", the two-day online conference aims to provide a platform for renowned international experts, decision-makers, academics and industry professionals to share experiences, exchange best practices on urban forestry management and renew ties with one another.
In her opening address, the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, said never before have the benefits of the environment and well-being been more essential, more in demand. The urban forest provides much more than fresh air, exercise and quiet time. It also offers therapeutic and restorative value at community and personal levels.
"Greening and landscaping have been widely incorporated in the planning of our new development areas. Through the planning strategy 'Hong Kong 2030+: Towards a Planning Vision and Strategy Transcending 2030' (Hong Kong 2030+), my Government is committed to ensuring that Hong Kong remains a liveable, competitive and sustainable city – Asia's World City", Mrs Lam said. She mentioned one of the goals under Hong Kong 2030+ is to develop the city in close concert with nature. In the conference, a number of presentation topics by renowned international speakers, including a specialist from the World Health Organization, have a similar vision on planning cities to connect humans with nature, developing nature-based ecological infrastructure, and creating beautiful living spaces. Their presentations provide valuable learning opportunities for cross-disciplinary practitioners in planning and formulating future developments that aspire to a liveable and sustainable environment for Hong Kong.
With the US$26 million (HK$200 million) Urban Forestry Support Fund launched in mid-2020, Mrs Lam said the focus in Hong Kong continues to be on developing arboriculture and horticulture talent. "To date, some 430 students have been approved under the study scheme, while close to 100 graduates are now engaged as trainees in private companies, as well as government departments," she added.
During the conference, over 20 speakers from Hong Kong, the Mainland and overseas will share their insights on four broad areas and sessions, namely Well-being Cities, Urban Forestry in the Greater Bay Area, Landscape Design for Health and Well-being, and the Healthy Urban Forest.
Co-organised by the Construction Industry Council, The Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects, the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong and the University of Hong Kong, and supported by other government departments, green organisations as well as education and professional institutes, the conference has attracted over 1,700 registrations from both local and cities all over the world.
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