Hong Kong Marks National Ecology Day with Free Park Entry, Double Recycling Points
RTHK · 3 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago3 MIN
Summary
The Hong Kong government has teamed up with more than 30 non-governmental organizations to roll out a series of special activities and offers this Saturday, August 15, to mark the fourth National Ecology Day. Established by the central government in 2023, the annual event aims to raise public awareness of ecological conservation and environmental protection. The Hong Kong Wetland Park will open its doors free of charge, offering complimentary guided tours to visitors. Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Department's Green @ Community recycling network will provide double "Green Rewards" points for all recyclables except food waste. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has arranged an extensive programme of ecological activities spanning country parks, nature reserves, and marine sites across the territory.
Key Points
- The Hong Kong Wetland Park will open free of charge on August 15, with complimentary public guided tours available throughout the day .
- The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department will host four ecological guided tours at Shing Mun Country Park and the Lion's Nature Education Centre .
- Evening firefly-watching sessions will be conducted at the Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve, where staff will share viewing tips with the public .
- Free guided tours will be offered at the Long Valley Nature Park, alongside several marine ecology exploration programmes coordinated by the department .
- A "30th Anniversary of Marine Parks" traveling exhibition will be staged at the Hong Kong Maritime Museum, organized by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department .
- Participants recycling at any Green @ Community outlet on August 15 will earn double Green Rewards points, excluding food waste collections .
- More than 30 NGOs will participate by offering free facility access, guided nature tours, night excursions, workshops, and public lectures .
- The Rural and Conservation Office will hold a thematic exhibition from September 1 to 6 at the Exhibition Corner beneath the East Kowloon Cultural Centre .
- On September 5, the Rural and Conservation Office will present "Musical Landscape," a performance by internationally renowned composer Tan Dun featuring harmonica and violin, showcasing the cultural and natural scenery of Yan Chau Tong .
Why It Matters
National Ecology Day represents a significant opportunity to deepen Hong Kong residents' connection with the city's unique natural heritage, from wetland ecosystems to marine parks. The double reward points scheme at Green @ Community recycling centres is expected to incentivize wider participation in waste separation, supporting Hong Kong's broader waste management goals. The diverse programme of activities — spanning guided nature tours, cultural performances, and photography showcases — demonstrates how environmental education can be integrated with arts and community engagement to reach broader audiences.
National Ecology Day represents a significant opportunity to deepen Hong Kong residents' connection with the city's unique natural heritage, from wetland ecosystems to marine parks. The double reward points scheme at Green @ Community recycling centres is expected to incentivize wider participation in waste separation, supporting Hong Kong's broader waste management goals. The diverse programme of activities — spanning guided nature tours, cultural performances, and photography showcases — demonstrates how environmental education can be integrated with arts and community engagement to reach broader audiences.