Hong Kong 2024 International Urban Forestry Conference opens (with photos)

     The Hong Kong 2024 International Urban Forestry Conference, organised by the Development Bureau (DEVB), opened today (April 10) and will be held for three consecutive days at the Hong Kong Science Park.
      
     Under the theme "Green Metropolis – The Crucial Role of Urban Forests for a Sustainable Future", the conference offers a platform for international experts and greening and landscape industry practitioners to exchange views, and examine various related matters. About 20 speakers from Hong Kong, the Mainland and overseas will share their insights on five key topics, namely International Horizon of Urban Forestry, Synergising Urban Forests in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Crafting Sustainable Urban Forests – Landscape Planning and Design, Building Sustainable Urban Forests with the Community, and Nurturing Sustainable Urban Forests – Talents, Technology and Management. Site visits and sharing sessions will also be arranged for participants to learn about urban forestry.
      
     In his opening address, the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, said that in the course of dealing with the many challenges in the development of a dense, compact city, including overcoming housing and infrastructural challenges, the greening and landscaping aspects have never been overlooked in Hong Kong. Throughout the years, the Government has stipulated planning and design requirements for the provision of parks and open spaces, and planting requirements in construction projects.  
      
     Mr Wong also mentioned a study sponsorship scheme and a trainee programme for the development of local talent were rolled out by the Government under the Urban Forestry Support Fund in 2020. The scheme and the programme have encouraging and promising results. He further said he is confident that the initiatives would continue to be instrumental in building a quality workforce in Hong Kong to support urban forestry work.
      
     The conference is 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 various government departments, green organisations as well as education and professional institutes. The conference has attracted about 800 participants to attend on-site. Live streaming is also available online (hk2024iufc.com/iufc/home).
      
     Also attending the conference was the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn.