More than 2,200 people, including residents from Wang Fuk Court, took part in Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden’s (KFBG) fifth Nature Treasure Hunt over the weekend.
The two-day flagship fundraising event, themed “Wildlife Guardians: Saving Native Species in Hong Kong,” was divided into school and public sessions for students, families, and nature enthusiasts.
Originally postponed following the devastating Tai Po blaze on November 26, 2025, the event opened with more than 900 students participating in an immersive Eco-Literacy Education Programme.
The session introduced concepts such as the Ecological Self, Sense of Place, Active Citizenship, and Pedagogy of Education for Sustainability, aiming to inspire students to become responsible and environmentally conscious citizens.
During the public sessions, hundreds of teams took on the role of “Wildlife Guardians,” trekking through woodland trails and completing challenges designed to deepen their understanding of Hong Kong’s biodiversity.
Participants also joined hands-on animal encounters and exclusive tours of the Wild Animal Rescue Centre, gaining first-hand insight into KFBG’s conservation and wildlife rehabilitation work.
The event welcomed residents of Wang Fuk Court, many of whom are currently sheltering at the Kadoorie Centre and Green Hub in Tai Po. Sixteen teams from the estate joined the activities, offering an opportunity for community engagement and respite following last year’s tragedy.
Celebrity supporters, including artist Alex Lam Tak-shun and world champion rock climber Lisa Cheng Lai-sa, joined the event to help promote local conservation efforts.
As parents, both stressed the importance of protecting ecosystems for the sake of future generations.
Expressing encouragement at the growing public interest in nature conservation, Wander Meijer, Executive Director of KFBG, called on participants to turn awareness into concrete conservation actions in their daily lives.
Participating for the second consecutive year, Chan Chi-hang, principal of Cho Yiu Catholic Primary School, described nature as “the most dynamic classroom,” highlighting its value in enabling students to apply classroom knowledge through practical experience.
Yu Kin-man, vice principal of Kit Sam Lam Bing Yim Secondary School, who joined the event for the first time, said that immersion in nature provides irreplaceable experiences that help cultivate students’ respect, appreciation, and care for the environment.
