Friends of the Earth (HK) and CRAES sign MoU to boost cross-border environmental cooperation

Friends of the Earth (Hong Kong) (FoE (HK)) announced on Thursday that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences (CRAES) to strengthen cross-border collaboration in environmental governance and sustainable development.

The MoU establishes a new framework for cooperation, covering areas such as scientific research, policy advocacy, youth education, and community engagement.

Both parties will work together to tackle regional environmental challenges, with a focus on climate change, biodiversity conservation, pollution control, and the transition to low-carbon energy.

Through joint research and policy initiatives, the partnership aims to provide science-based and practical recommendations to governments, businesses, and the public. The collaboration seeks to promote coordinated regional development in environmental governance and contribute to the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

FoE (HK) will also collaborate with CRAES to develop the “Earth Academy,” a new initiative to nurture environmentally conscious professionals with a global outlook. The program will empower young talent in Hong Kong and the Mainland to address the challenges of climate change and sustainability.

Quan Zhanjun, vice president of CRAES, said the partnership will help deepen technological exchanges, align environmental standards and policies, and facilitate the sharing of best practices.

“By integrating Hong Kong’s strengths with the nation’s needs, we strive to advance a green and low-carbon development path tailored to the unique characteristics of the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area,” Quan said.

Plato Yip Kwong-to, chairperson of FoE (HK), said the collaboration combines CRAES’s research expertise with FoE (HK)’s community engagement strengths to promote coordinated progress in regional environmental governance and enhance capacity for green transformation.

“We hope to make positive contributions to the sustainable development of the Greater Bay Area and beyond,” Yip added.