Tai O Renaissance Project
Project Team
Leader: Gabrielle Chau (AIRI Fellow)
Member: Katia Wong (AIRI Associate Fellow)
Background and Introduction
The Tai O Renaissance Project aims to revitalize the fishing village of Tai O by addressing the challenges it faces, including climate stress, urbanization stress, and demographic challenges. The project focuses on improving the quality of life, restoring the relationship between humans and the environment, preserving local skills and knowledge, and empowering the local community. It seeks to create a collaborative socio-ecological system by engaging long-term collaborators. The project is divided into two phases, with the first phase focusing on research and exploring new possibilities for utilizing local resources, such as the revival of local produce and the potential for growth in the local fishery industry. The second phase aims to nurture a sense of belonging and pride in the Tai O community and promote innovation. The project serves as a platform for civil society to build resilience in the community while preserving its unique history and transformation.
Project Site
Tai O, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Proposed Project Actions and Deliverables
Conduct research focusing on novel solutions and reinforcing existing cultural and ecological assets: Research targets include the mangrove system, local produce, and the local fishery industry. External scientists and local stakeholders will lead research, with a focus on customised solutions to address local needs.
Reinforce the value chain of Tai O: Workshops and programmes will be conducted to pass on local skills and knowledge. A mentorship programme is designed to run with a real-life museum - stilt house renovation project and several cultural workshops ranging from handicrafts of fishing net and woodwork to local food production of salted fish, sauce, dried products and tea cakes etc. The mentees will also shadow other learning programmes co-held with NGOs and ecologists in different forms for incubation of citizen scientists, local eco-tour guides and oral historians.