2 November 2024, Hong Kong -- WWF-Hong Kong hosted its annual charity walkathon “Walk for Nature” at Mai Po Nature Reserve on 2 and 3 November. This year’s theme, “Wonders of Wetlands with LINE FRIENDS”, was showcased through five main areas: The Wildlife Wonder, The Knowledge Wonder, The Artistic Wonder, The Science Wonder and The Exploratory Wonder. Through the collaboration of “LINE FRIENDS X WWF-Hong Kong Green Alliance”, participants joined forces to explore these diverse wonders together.

Officiating at today’s opening ceremony were Miss Diane Wong, JP, Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology Bureau; Mr Patrick Lai, Deputy Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department; Mr Dan Bradshaw, Chairman of WWF-Hong Kong and Ms Nicole Wong, CEO of WWF-Hong Kong.

Mr. Dan Bradshaw, Chairman of WWF-Hong Kong first welcomed everyone to the event and called for public support in understanding the importance in wetland conservation. “As we embark on the journey through the 'Wonders of Wetlands', we celebrate the new visitor centre and education facility at Mai Po which aims to enhance the visitor experience and promote environmental awareness. These upgraded facilities have seen a great increase in visitors and have hosted conservation training sessions. Also, we hosted the first community fun day at Mai Po yesterday, the event aimed to engage the local community, with added participation of districts services and community care teams. It was a wonderful opportunity to strengthen community bonds.”

During the ceremony, Miss Diane Wong, JP, Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology Bureauemphasised the important ecological value of Mai Po Wetland both locally and internationally. She said, “Mai Po is an internationally recognised ‘bird paradise’. Protecting this international migratory bird paradise requires a lot of research support and also faces new challenges. In recent years, with the support of the Environment and Ecology Bureau's "Countryside Conservation Funding Scheme", WWF has implemented a smart wetland pilot project in Mai Po that combines traditional and innovative technologies, including optimising the environmental monitoring of the Mai Po Nature Reserve through the Internet of Things (IoT), establishing a smart ecological monitoring network to improve wetland management efficiency. The government will continue to promote and support relevant research on the use of technology for nature conservation, and work with WWF to protect the diverse wetland habitats and wildlife here to maintain the integrity and biodiversity of the Deep Bay Wetland ecosystem.”

This year's "Walk for Nature" guided participants through a new walking route within the Mai Po Nature Reserve, where WWF-Hong Kong’s researchers shared intriguing discoveries about the area. Participants had the opportunity to learn about habitat management techniques, the revival of lost rice paddies, and were able to explore new birdwatching spots. Exhibitions and workshops were also held along the route, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Mai Po.

One of the highlights of the event was the opportunity for participants to meet the beloved mascot Lutra and receive encouragement from LINE FRIENDS BROWN and CONY. The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of wetland conservation and the significance of preserving these vital ecosystems for future generations.

WWF-Hong Kong Walk for Nature 2024

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WWF-Hong Kong Walk for Nature 2024 Wonders of Wetlands in Mai Po Nature Reserve

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WWF-Hong Kong Walk for Nature 2024
Wonders of Wetlands in Mai Po Nature Reserve