The Hong Kong 2024 International Urban Forestry Conference by the Development Bureau (DEVB) was held from 10 to 12 April 2024 at Hong Kong Science Park, with the theme Green Metropolis—The Crucial Role of Urban Forests for a Sustainable Future. Michael Wong, Deputy Financial Secretary, who was a guest of honour, cited the following government measures in his address:
- the stipulation concerning planning and design requirements for the provision of parks and open spaces;
- the stipulation concerning planting requirements in construction projects; and
- a study sponsorship scheme as well as a trainee programme under the Urban Forestry Support Fund.
Subsequently, about 20 industry experts lent both international and local perspectives on five key topics:
- International Horizon of Urban Forestry;
- Synergising Urban Forests in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area;
- Crafting Sustainable Urban Forests—Landscape Planning and Design;
- Building Sustainable Urban Forests with the Community; and
- Nurturing Sustainable Urban Forests—Talents, Technology and Management.
Additionally, the three-day programme offered technical sessions engaging students with conference speakers and guided tours covering the following sites:
- Hong Kong Science Park;
- Jordan Valley Channel Garden;
- CIC–Zero Carbon Park; and
- Jockey Club–The Conservancy Association Urban Forestry Green Hub.
The event was co-organised by the Construction Industry Council; the Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects; the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong; and the University of Hong Kong. For details, please refer to its website. —Construction+ Online
Sources: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Hong Kong 2024 International Urban Forestry Conference
