The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology opened its multi-purpose Eco-Park, the first of its kind in Hong Kong, today (8 September) to promote teaching and academic research on sustainability from a wider perspective.
The HKUST Eco-Park covers an area of over 3,000 square meters featuring different themes including renewable energy, green living, environmental conservation, efficient use of resources, sustainable development, carbon-neutralization and zero-emission. Different zones in the Park are well designed to serve multi-disciplinary educational purposes alongside research activities. The Park currently has zones comprising Chinese medicine, ecologically valuable plants, organic farm, renewable energy and green slope. HKUST is planning to build nursery and propagation area, biodiversity zone, butterfly and bee garden, as well as targeting global environmental theme-based education trail in the near future. The Park also cultivates diversified, multi-functional plants and vegetation from the Southern region including ornamental, food, medicinal and ecological relevant species.
The HKUST Eco-Park provides an educational platform for the study of energy and carbon management, as well as environmental protection. Against the new '334' reform background this is a golden opportunity for enhancing all-rounded education as HKUST Eco-Park provides interactive and out-of-classroom experience for its students to learn environmental conservation and find out more about nature. HKUST also engages a sizeable number of primary and secondary schools, as well as community organizations to boost the greening of Hong Kong.
The HKUST Eco-Park will undergo various research projects and demonstrate green energy technologies such as solar power, wind power, solar-assisted absorption refrigeration system, LED lighting technology, air purification and water recycling and utilization to gain more public green awareness. These energy-saving technologies have a great potential for commercial applications. The Park can also provide technical supports for the Government and green entrepreneurs to enhance Hong Kong's long-term development and green living.
With the support from the Sai Kung District Council and Mission Healthy Greens, this HKUST project promotes the sustainable development and instills green concepts into the wider community.
Please contact Dr David Lau at Tel: 2358 5818 or email: davidlau@ust.hk for further information on the HKUST Eco-Park.
For media enquiries, please feel free to contact :
Mavis Wong
Tel: 2358 6306
Email: maviswong@ust.hk
