Hong Kong Ocean Park Conservation Day focusses on safeguarding wild pandas

November 19, 2024

Ocean Park Conservation Foundation Hong Kong will mark the 29th Ocean Park Conservation Day with the theme ‘Safeguarding Wild Giant Pandas and Their Habitats’, and will showcase a diverse range of educational and engaging activities at Ocean Park on 23rd-24th November 2024.

The event aims to raise public awareness about the challenges faced by wild giant pandas, existing conservation efforts, and future conservation strategies, all while fostering a vision of harmonious coexistence between humans, giant pandas, and nature.

Judy Chen, Foundation Chair of Ocean Park Conservation Foundation Hong Kong (OPCFHK) notes “In September this year, two giant pandas gifted by the Central Government to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region officially made their home at Ocean Park, coinciding with the birth of giant panda twins in Hong Kong, which sparked enthusiasm throughout the city.

“For many years, the giant panda has been a focal species for OPCFHK and is recognised as an iconic symbol in wildlife conservation. Protecting wild giant pandas and their habitats not only safeguards this beloved species but also enhances local biodiversity and preserves rare plants and animals.

“To date, OPCFHK has supported over 90 research and conservation projects dedicated to giant pandas, with funding surpassing HK$30 million. Building on this city-wide giant panda fervour, we will continue to facilitate cross-sector collaboration to advance and expand our conservation efforts, while fostering community education and engagement in our shared mission to protect this precious species.”

The natural habitats of giant pandas are highly fragmented and are degrading due to human activities, making it difficult for them to migrate to other bamboo groves for feeding or mating. This habitat fragmentation, along with their short mating periods, further reduces their chances of survival in the wild.

In light of this, OPCFHK has supported a nearly six-year research project (from July 2018 to May 2024) aimed at quantifying the damage caused by livestock grazing on bamboo ecosystems and other vegetation vital to giant pandas, and determining suitable grazing areas and patterns by assessing the impact of grazing on giant pandas and other mammal species. This research has laid the scientific groundwork for formulating effective grazing management policies to protect wild giant pandas.

The project is led by Prof Binbin Li, Associate Professor of Environmental Science at Duke Kunshan University. Prof Li notes “we are deeply concerned about the threats that livestock grazing poses to giant panda habitats and are committed to exploring long-term, sustainable grazing solutions through legal regulations, community involvement, and market-driven incentives. Our objective is to ensure the enduring protection of giant panda habitats and the numerous species that rely on them for survival. We are thankful for the long-term support of OPCFHK, which has allowed our team to expand the project to address grazing disturbances throughout the giant panda habitat. In collaboration with stakeholders, including the management authorities of protected areas, social organisations and local residents, we are able to cultivate community-based sustainable livelihood pilot programmes that harmonise human activities with ecological conservation.”

One of the key achievements of this research project was the implementation of a grazing ban within the boundaries of Wanglang National Nature Reserve. Additionally, a sustainable livelihood development pilot scheme was introduced in Longchi Village, located in the Xiaohegou area of the Giant Panda National Park. Aimed to raise community awareness about wildlife protection, particularly concerning giant pandas, and foster a consensus on the importance of sustainable grazing management, this pilot scheme included alternative job opportunities, such as positions for forest rangers, along with a series of community education and skills training programmes.

Meanwhile, OPCFHK’s other funded projects included the training of over 1,100 frontline conservation workers in mainland China. This training enhanced the management of giant panda nature reserves and promoted sustainable conservation practices. Additionally, three wildlife corridors have been established to combat habitat fragmentation, which is a serious threat to the giant pandas’ survival. According to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, the population of wild giant pandas in mainland China has increased from around 1,100 in the 1980s to nearly 1,900.

At the commencing ceremony for the Conservation Day, Gigi Leung Wing-Kei, Conservation Ambassador of OPCFHK shared “witnessing the pair of Hong Kong-born giant pandas grow from their frail and tiny beginnings to their healthy and charming selves today truly highlights the challenges we face in ensuring their survival and reproduction in the wild. It is essential that we lend them our unwavering support. Although Hong Kong does not have giant panda habitats, our countryside and marine environments are vibrant with biodiversity and deserve our collective protection.

“Moreover, embracing environmental sustainability in our daily lives is crucial. Simple actions such as reducing air conditioning use, minimising plastic bag consumption, and conserving water and electricity, can have a profound impact. While individual efforts may seem modest, if each of us makes a small contribution, together we can significantly improve our environment and create a brighter future for all.”

The 29th Ocean Park Conservation Day will feature a range of educational and interactive booths, games, and workshops, including a giant panda-themed "Recycled Paper Workshop" and a "Giant Panda Aroma Stone Crafting Workshop". Participants can collect souvenirs upon completing the activities. Families can also take part in exclusive guided tours and themed lectures on the Conservation Day to learn more about wildlife conservation in an interactive and engaging manner, joining forces to protect the nature!

The 29th Ocean Park Conservation Day
23rd-24th November 2024 (Saturday and Sunday)
10am – 5:30pm
Ocean Park, Hong Kong

Image.Commencing ceremony for 29th Ocean Park Conservation Day

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