Speech by CS at Jockey Club Nature Conservation Centre Opening Ceremony (English only) (with photos/video)
******************************************************************************************
Andrew (Chairperson, Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG), Mr Andrew McAulay), Lester (Deputy Chairman, Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Lester Huang), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon. It is a joy to be here with you for the opening of the Jockey Club Nature Conservation Centre - and to launch Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden's milestone 70th anniversary year.
As Andrew noted, this new Centre was made possible by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. This support is not only deeply appreciated - it is especially fitting, with the Year of the Horse arriving in just a few weeks.
For 70 years, KFBG has continually evolved to support the government and the people of Hong Kong.
Today, KFBG continues to broaden its mission. It builds on decades of hands-on scientific and practical nature restoration, and advises NGOs (non-governmental organisations), institutions, corporations and, of course, the Hong Kong Government.
The Government is deeply committed to protecting Hong Kong's biodiversity and environment. Last month, we published our updated Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, which reflects both global goals and our country's national strategy for conservation.
The Plan outlines how Hong Kong will protect nature and support sustainable development over the next decade.
I am pleased to say that KFBG played a significant role in this updated plan.
And I should add - KFBG's forest restoration programme recently became the first in the world to receive a premium-tier certification from the Global Biodiversity Standard, underlining its global leadership in ecological restoration.
KFBG's expertise also supports Hong Kong's Northern Metropolis Development Strategy, as we move toward better integration of urban and rural areas, and balance development and conservation.
The new Conservation Centre is home to more than 100 scientists and other professionals, ensuring that KFBG's important work in nature conservation, sustainable living and holistic education continues to grow, and also supporting the Government, our people and the rich natural environment we are so blessed with.
That includes more than 580 bird species, which represents one-third of our country's total, and some 6 000 marine species, around one quarter of our country's recorded total.
Hong Kong is also home to wonderful landscapes, like the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Global Geopark and many other conservation areas.
In 2024, we established three major nature conservation parks. And upon the completion of the Wetland Conservation Park in the Northern Metropolis, which will be five times larger than the Hong Kong Wetland Park, we will have a vital new hub for wetland conservation.
Nature conservation and biodiversity require constant care and collaboration. I look forward to continuing our co-operation with KFBG, the Jockey Club, scholars, researchers, environmentalists and the general public - to keep nature at the heart of Hong Kong's future.
I wish Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden another 70 rewarding years of nature conservation and education. And I wish you all a happy and healthy New Year, full of the good fortune that our precious environment gives us. Thank you.
Ends/Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Issued at HKT 15:11
Issued at HKT 15:11
NNNN
