HKUST Alumni Reunion Tree Planting Event: Promoting Conservation and Sustainable Land Use
On 13 January 2025, the HKUST Sustainability/Net-Zero Office organized a tree-planting event with 20 HKUST alumni and their families, actively promoting conservation and sustainable utilization of land through the planting of native species to enhance biodiversity and foster community commitment to ecological stewardship. Held in the Chinese garden near senior staff quarters, the event aligns with the HKUST 2028 Sustainability Challenge’s landscape and biodiversity goals, utilizing the campus as a living lab for conservation and community engagement.
Event Overview and Conservation Impact
The event involved planting 25 saplings of five native species—Cyclobalanopsis hui, Endospermum chinense, Elaeocarpus nitentifolius, Morella rubra, and Syzygium odoratum—selected for their ecological value. Cyclobalanopsis hui, with only 20 mature trees remaining in Pat Sin Leng, and Endospermum chinense, with fewer than 1,000 individuals in Hong Kong, are rare species threatened by wildfires. By planting these species, the event directly contributed to conserving Hong Kong’s native flora, restoring ecosystems, and promoting sustainable land use by reducing water and maintenance needs compared to non-native plants. Participants learned how native species enhance soil stability, support local wildlife, and minimize resource use, aligning with sustainable land management principles.
Engaging the Community in Sustainable Practices
A landscaping contractor demonstrated tool safety and planting techniques, equipping participants with practical skills to replicate conservation efforts in their own communities. The event encouraged alumni and their families to adopt sustainable land use practices, such as planting native species in local gardens or supporting conservation initiatives, fostering a broader commitment to preserving Hong Kong’s forests and wild land. MSc(IT) 2011 graduate Ethan Wang Yachao shared, “Planting trees with my son taught us the value of conservation. It inspired us to advocate for sustainable practices in our community, creating a lasting impact for future generations.”
Leadership and Future Impact
Louis Law from the Sustainability/Net-Zero Office highlighted the event’s role in connecting participants with nature: “Leading this tree-planting initiative was fulfilling, especially seeing children engage with conservation. It reinforces HKUST’s commitment to shaping a sustainable future through community-driven efforts.” The event’s legacy extends beyond the campus, as participants were encouraged to champion conservation projects, such as urban greening or native species restoration, in Hong Kong’s wider community, contributing to sustainable land use and biodiversity preservation.
Alignment with HKUST’s Sustainability Goals
As part of the HKUST 2028 Sustainability Challenge, this event transformed the campus landscape into a resource for research, experimentation, and community engagement. By showcasing the ecological and resource-saving benefits of native species, HKUST promotes conservation and sustainable land use, inspiring alumni and the broader community to contribute to a thriving, biodiverse Hong Kong.
