Your Backyard, Your Lens: Our Connection with HKUST's Natural Beauty
From February to April 2025, the HKUST Sustainability/Net-Zero Office hosted the "Your Backyard Your Lens – HKUST Biodiversity Photo Competition," inviting our campus community to explore and capture the natural beauty that surrounds us. The competition, centered around the theme "Personal Connection with Campus Biodiversity," was a resounding success, receiving an overwhelming response from students and staff alike.
Competition Highlights:
- 239 submissions across three categories showcasing our community connection with campus biodiversity
- 30 finalists selected by judging panel representing photography, ocean science, communications, landscaping, and sustainability
- 9 winners chosen through an exciting public voting process that garnered over 500 votes
- A physical exhibition that attracted more than 500 visitors
- A highlight video of shortlisted entries that engaged 9,701 social media users and was featured on University e-boards
Discovering HKUST's Natural Treasures: The competition revealed not only the stunning visuals of our campus environment but also the deep emotional connections our community members share with these natural spaces. One particularly moving submission came from a staff member who shared how a campus tree holds special significance, linking to memories of a lost loved one and the support of a supervisor. Many other participants expressed how they find solace and peace in our campus's natural environment.
Biodiversity Discoveries: Beyond personal connections, the competition highlighted the remarkable diversity of life at HKUST. Among the notable findings:
- Sightings of rare species, including the near-threatened barking deer
- Documentation of protected species like the Zeuxine strateumatica orchid
- Numerous examples of the complex ecosystems thriving on our campus
A Lasting Impact: Through both physical and digital platforms, this competition has successfully engaged our community in appreciating and understanding the rich biodiversity of HKUST. The stunning photographs and heartfelt stories shared have created a new awareness of the natural wonders that exist right outside our doors.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participants, voters, and supporters who made this initiative such a meaningful success. Your enthusiasm and engagement have helped foster a deeper connection between our campus community and the natural environment we're privileged to call home.
Stay tuned for more opportunities to engage with and celebrate HKUST's biodiversity in the coming months!
