A Three-Year Conservation Initiative with an Investment of Nearly HK$80 Million to Integrate Smart Technology for Enhanced Wetland Management in Combating Extreme Weather Utilising Nature-based Solutions to Protect Wetland Habitats and Biodiversity "Nature Community Day – Working Together with Nature" Kicks Off the Three-Year Smart Conservation Journey, Steering Mai Po Towards a Climate-Resilient, Green Future

The "WWF Jockey Club Smart Wetland Management Project" (the "Project"), funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust (HKJC) and organised by WWF-Hong Kong (WWF), has officially commenced. With a substantial grant of nearly HK$80 million from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, this three-year, large-scale environmental conservation initiative aims to integrate innovative technology with conservation efforts. The Project is dedicated to enhancing the ecological management efficiency of the Mai Po Nature Reserve and strengthening biodiversity protection to address the challenges posed by extreme weather and climate change. A core component involves a series of professional training and public activities centred on Nature-based Solutions (NbS), designed to engage all sectors of society in understanding and actively implementing NbS, thereby promoting a development model that fosters harmony between people and nature. The Project's inaugural public event, " Nature Community Day – Working Together with Nature" was successfully held recently, marking the beginning of this comprehensive conservation programme.

Leveraging Technology for Nature: Pioneering a 'Smart Wetland' Era to Sustain Wetland Habitat Functions and Biodiversity in Mai Po Nature Reserve

As climate change intensifies and extreme weather events become more frequent, Hong Kong's wetland ecosystems are facing unprecedented pressure. Threats such as heavy rainfall and sea level rise directly endanger precious natural habitats, while biodiversity loss further undermines the stability and resilience of these ecosystems. As a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention, the Mai Po Wetlands play a critical role in maintaining ecological balance and providing habitats for migratory birds. However, escalating environmental challenges and increasing pressures from human activities mean that conventional conservation methods are no longer sufficient to cope with rapidly changing ecological conditions. To ensure that Mai Po continues to provide vital ecosystem services—including flood mitigation, climate regulation, and education—in the future, it is imperative to adopt a more forward-thinking, smart management model and enhance public education. This project seeks to establish a new, sustainable paradigm for wetland conservation in Hong Kong and the wider region by merging innovative technology with NbS, transforming the Mai Po Nature Reserve into a model "smart wetland" for the future.

A Three-Year Action Plan: Integrating Technology and Nature to Build a 'Smart Wetland' and Enhance Public Conservation Awareness

The "Smart Wetland Management Project" is Hong Kong's first long-term conservation project to apply smart technology to wetland management. It will comprehensively enhance the ecological management efficacy of the Mai Po Nature Reserve and promote the sustainable development of its wetlands through the introduction of various smart monitoring and management technologies, provision of professional training, and organisation of public education activities.

Over the next three years, the Mai Po Nature Reserve will implement innovative measures such as smart hydrological management systems and AI-powered biodiversity monitoring technologies. Data analytics will support conservation management decisions, and infrastructure upgrades will be carried out to bolster the wetland's functions in flood control, climate regulation, and biodiversity maintenance. Beyond technological application, the Project places strong emphasis on public education and community engagement. WWF will offer a series of courses, workshops, field studies, and exhibitions focused on NbS and biodiversity, targeting non-profit professional groups, NGOs, teachers, students, youth, and the general public to promote nature conservation and advocate for harnessing nature's power to address contemporary challenges.

"Nature Community Day" Inaugurates the Three-Year Project, Offering the Public a Firsthand Experience of “Working Together with Nature”

Marking the launch of the three-year plan, "Nature Community Day" was held last Saturday at the WWF Jockey Club Mai Po Peter Scott Visitor Centre and the Mai Po Nature Reserve. Under the theme "Working Together with Nature", the event invited the public to immerse themselves in nature and explore the rich wetland ecology and the wisdom of nature through various interactive experiences. Visitors had the opportunity to explore the reserve freely during the autumn bird migration season, learn about the integration of traditional gei wai (shrimp ponds) with modern smart management tools at the only place in Hong Kong where gei wais are in operation, and experience first-hand the "smart wetland" initiatives for wildlife monitoring. Other activities included "Bee Ecology Discovery", "Tranquility Path", and various interactive booths, guiding the public to reconnect with themselves in nature and learn how to align with natural principles in daily life, utilising natural resources wisely while minimising environmental impact.

Partnering with The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust to Steer Mai Po Towards a Climate-Resilient Green Future

The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust is steadfast in its commitment to promoting sustainable development and actively supports the application of innovative technology within the community. The "Smart Wetland Management Project" represents a significant component of the Club's "Green Vision," symbolising a new milestone for Hong Kong in biodiversity conservation and climate action.

Mr. Alex Wong, Head of Community Education at WWF-Hong Kong, stated, "Innovative technology has opened a new chapter for nature conservation at Mai Po, comprehensively enhancing the efficiency and precision of habitat management and data collection. We hope this Project will serve as a starting point for all sectors of society to actively participate in our various activities, reconnect with nature, and collectively build a future with greater resilience for both nature and our communities."

Over the next three years, the Project will continue to roll out public and educational activities while progressively launching a range of new smart facilities, allowing visitors to the Mai Po Nature Reserve to experience the tangible outcomes of smart conservation.