The countryside of Hong Kong forms a living tapestry of forests and wetlands, serving as a frontline where humans and wildlife meet and learn to coexist. In 2026, Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden will celebrate its 70th anniversary. To honour the rich biodiversity of this land and continue the conservation journey we have steadfastly pursued over the years, we have invited a range of conservation experts to guide the public into these vibrant ecosystems. Together, we will explore how science and compassion combine in tangible actions to protect the habitats of our wild neighbours — helping write a more promising chapter for a future where people and nature thrive in harmony.
Venue: Sunshine Hall, Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden
Language: Presented in Cantonese or English
Fee: Usual admission fees applied
Target: Any age
Registration: Not necessary, but those who pre-register will receive a souvenir (available while stock lasts)
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21 Nov 2026 (Sat) |
Speaker |
Talk title and introduction |
Language |
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14:00 – 14:30 |
Dr. Carmen OR Manager, Wetlands Research, WWF-Hong Kong |
Tracking birds for wetland conservation
Bird tracking is essential for understanding bird migration patterns and habitat use, providing scientific basis for wetland conservation. As wetlands face increasing threats from urbanization, understanding bird behaviour becomes crucial for effective conservation. This talk will introduce how birds are being tracked for conservation and showcase the bird tracking project in Mai Po Nature Reserve, which employs GPS technology to gather critical data on various bird species. |
Cantonese |
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14:30 – 15:00 |
Dr. Peter YANG Conservation Geneticist, KFBG |
Conserving Hong Kong’s Incense Tree: Genetic Insights and Restoration Approaches
The Incense Tree (Aquilaria sinensis), native to Hong Kong and other parts of southern China, is highly valued for its fragrant resin known as agarwood. It holds special cultural significance for Hong Kong, even giving the city its name. However, natural populations of the Incense Tree in Hong Kong have declined sharply, primarily due to poaching driven by the demand for agarwood. This talk will introduce the conservation efforts carried out by Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG), including the use of DNA fingerprinting to assess the species’ genetic diversity. It will also highlight a new strategy—integrating research and restoration practices—to safeguard Hong Kong’s Incense Trees.
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Cantonese |
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15:00 – 15:30 |
Prof. Benoit GUÉNARD Associate Professor, The University of Hong Kong |
Education, Conservation and Specimen Preservation: The Emergence of a Natural History Museum in Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum (HKBM) is one of the most recent and smallest museums in the region. Yet, with a collection of ~60,000 specimens, ~70,000 visitors welcomed since 2021, and millions of people reached online, it is very active to promote biodiversity education, natural wonders and research. In this talk, I will introduce the genesis, development and future of the HKBM, while presenting the roles that a natural history museum could and should play in Hong Kong and Asia. Ultimately, the HKBM should become a rally point for all keen on learning, exploring and discovering Hong Kong biodiversity.
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English |
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22 Nov 2026 (Sun) |
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14:00 – 14:30 |
Paul CROW Senior Conservation Officer, KFBG |
Living with Snakes: 27 Years of Resolving Human-Snake Conflicts in Hong Kong
Since1999, Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden established the Wild Snake Rescue Project to address the community needs. For 27 years, we have been quietly safeguarding the delicate boundary between humans and snakes in Hong Kong by releasing native snakes back into local wild areas and helping people understand the vital role snakes play in our ecosystem. This talk will take the audience through this unique journey of community service—from collaboration models with the Hong Kong Police and Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, to the science behind snake rescue, temporary care, and release; from interpreting the data on snake-human encounters, to sharing how we can move from fear to understanding, and from conflict to coexistence.
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English |
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14:30 – 15:00 |
Amy, Wing Lam FOK PhD Student, Lingnan University |
Using wildlife forensic methods to help prosecute the poaching of wild turtles in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is home to the last wild populations of some native turtle species, but is also a global hub for the (legal and illegal) wildlife trade. A key in determining the legality of trade is to differentiate between wild and captive individuals. In this talk, we share some wildlife forensic techniques (DNA, stable isotopes) that have helped verify the wild origin of confiscated turtles and supported the prosecution of wildlife crime. |
Cantonese |
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15:00 – 15:30 |
Philip, Yik Fui LO Senior Conservation Officer, KFBG |
Gibbon Conservation in Action
The Hainan gibbon is the world’s most critically endangered primates. A survey in 2003 revealed that only 13 individuals survived — teetering on the brink of extinction. In response to this crisis, KFBG joined forces with the Hainan Forestry Department and the nature reserve to launch a series of urgent conservation actions, determined to pull the species back from the edge. The journey has been full of challenges, but through adaptive strategies and persistent effort, we strive to ensure that their songs continue to echo through the tropical rainforest of Hainan. |
Cantonese |
Enquiries
Phone no.：2483 7179 (Miss Ma)
Email：yayuan.ma@kfbg.org