Tseung Kwan O E-Co Village set to plant seeds of sustainability in the city

The Tung Wah Group's Hospitals (TWGH) E-Co Village in Tseung Kwan O officially opened on Tuesday (Feb 18), with the government hoping the city's first environmental education base built on a revitalised landfill would benefit citizens from its diversified recreational facilities and innovative services.

Located at Tseung Kwan O Stage I Section B Landfill Site, the Village spans about 2 hectares and features two platforms with a heart-shaped lawn at the center, symbolizing its mission to encourage environmentally friendly efforts.

The Village is home to more than 200 trees from over 140 local and foreign species, allowing citizens to enjoy the diverse floral displays throughout the seasons.

Additionally, the E-Co Village incorporates environmentally friendly elements across areas such as architecture, energy, plants, art and camping, providing a variety of sustainable living experiences for students, youth, families and the public.

A total of six no-fire camping areas with 46 elevated wooden platforms were included in the Village, offering visitors unique, standard or minimalist camping options.

Facilities such as equipment rental, solar charging batteries, cold and hot water showers, fridges and coffee machines will be available, with rental prices starting from HK$600 for a two to four-person camping site.

The E-Co village has begun operations since July 30 of last year, attracting over 10,000 visitors with approximately 190 activities, which included guided tours, environmental workshops and lectures, camping experience activities, volunteer and leadership training as of December.

It is hoped that facilities such as a no-fire camping area, community farms, children's playgrounds, renewable energy facilities, and eco-art installations will improve the public's understanding of sustainable development in collaboration with schools and enterprises.

Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan hoped citizens would enjoy the scenic view and services in the E-Co village and be inspired to promote green lifestyles, working together to create a city with clear sky, blue waterways, and lush greenery.

Mandy Tang Ming-wai, chairperson of TWGH, stated that the E-Co villages are not only an educational base but also a platform that unites communities, allowing people of all ages to experience the possibilities of sustainable development, and urging citizens to practice carbon reduction in their daily lives to build a brighter future for the next generation.