Hong Kong Unveils Biodiversity Strategy 2035 to Strengthen Ecological Protection
HK01 · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Hong Kong SAR government has officially released the updated Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2035, marking a significant shift from localized conservation to full integration with national and global ecological governance systems. The plan addresses challenges including climate change impacts on coral reefs and mangroves, with over 25% of local species facing extinction risk. Government departments and the private sector are already implementing practical measures to protect Hong Kong's remarkable natural heritage.
Key Points
- Hong Kong's updated BSAP aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and China's national biodiversity strategy, establishing a vision of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature
- WWF's 2025 report shows 21 local species have become extinct and 232 species (over 25%) face local extinction risk out of 886 species assessed; nearly 80% of 27 key biodiversity hotspots outside protected areas have been damaged
- Four strategic pillars guide implementation: Nature Conservation, Mainstreaming, Capacity Building, and Partnership, covering everything from habitat protection to corporate sustainability practices
- Government initiatives include the Drainage Services Department's revitalization of the Tsui Ping River and the Civil Engineering and Development Department's establishment of the Long Valley Nature Park for ecological compensation
- The corporate sector is increasingly adopting the TNFD framework and integrating biodiversity into ESG commitments, with real estate companies creating urban ecological corridors
Why It Matters
The BSAP 2035 signals Hong Kong's commitment to moving beyond traditional "closed conservation" toward comprehensive "ecologization" of development, requiring cross-departmental coordination and society-wide participation. With many lowland habitats outside current protected areas lacking adequate protection, the plan's success will determine whether Hong Kong can reverse the decline of its unique biodiversity before more species vanish from this densely urbanized territory .
The BSAP 2035 signals Hong Kong's commitment to moving beyond traditional "closed conservation" toward comprehensive "ecologization" of development, requiring cross-departmental coordination and society-wide participation. With many lowland habitats outside current protected areas lacking adequate protection, the plan's success will determine whether Hong Kong can reverse the decline of its unique biodiversity before more species vanish from this densely urbanized territory .