Impact Projects

In 2023, a collaboration between MTR Corporation and the Centre for Civil Society and Governance at HKU was established with the aim of unlocking the sustainability potential of the Lok Ma Chau (LMC) Wetland. Adopting a wetland transformation strategy based on Nature-based Solution, we hope to go beyond environmental management, and create blended values that benefit the society at large.  

This initiative combines research, prototyping, monitoring, evaluation, stakeholder engagement and adaptive management to ensure long-term success. Our team customise an Integrated Multi-Trophic Agro-Aquaculture model for the LMC Wetland, which mimics nature’s way of recycling nutrients, and creates a balanced environment for multiple species. The system helps restore aquatic ecosystem health, enhance circularity, and regenerate productivity, while meeting conservation objectives. Our trials include setting up a wetland plant nursery and hatchery, floating wetlands and cultivating freshwater mussels.  

We identified key stakeholders and engaged with them throughout the process, soliciting comments and gaining support. This allows us to nurture potential collaborators for medium or longer term partnership.

Tourism today is much more than sightseeing. Travellers increasingly seek authentic local culture, meaningful connections, and experiences that create lasting benefits for communities and the environment. Guided by the Government’s Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0, which promotes cultural, ecotourism and immersive travel experiences, and supported by the development of the Northern Metropolis’ Blue and Green Recreation, Tourism and Conservation Circle, Hong Kong’s rural areas are entering a new era of opportunity.

In 2026, the Centre for Civil Society and Governance at The University of Hong Kong and Airbnb jointly launched the “Village Tourism in Hong Kong: An Incubation and Innovation Programme” that features three Masterclasses, two Field-based Immersive Workshops, and a Village Tourism Case Challenge. The Programme brings together individuals passionate about shaping the future of sustainable village tourism in Hong Kong to uncover the values of Hong Kong’s villages and transform them into meaningful visitor experiences.

More than nurturing talent, the Programme connects academia, industry and local communities to drive policy dialogue, knowledge exchange and applied research on sustainable village tourism.

The Forest Village programme, built upon the principle of environmental stewardship, aims to conserve, revitalise and enhance the natural, cultural and landscape values of Mui Tsz Lam and Kop Tong. The villages will be revived as “Forest Villages”, a common term that describes settlements with forest as the dominant and provisioning habitat, through restoration of farmlands, enhancement of habitats, and adaptive repurposing of village assets. A collaborative and participatory approach will be employed to engage stakeholders—villagers, members of non- profits, scientists, architects, artists and interested citizens—in an array of conservation activities through which they will acquire knowledge, skills, and commitment to take up the role of the guardians of the forest villages.

This is a first-of-its-kind project in Hong Kong that focuses on upland forest conserving both natural and cultural landscapes as an integrated and holistic living heritage.

The programme aims to:

1. 1. Restore a mosaic of “Forest Village Ecosystem” land uses to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services
2. 2. Conserve upland forest species and protect their habitats
3. 3. Formulate sustainable management strategies and promote an adaptive repurposing of tangible and intangible rural assets to support the sustainable development of the villages
4. 4. Foster a sense of community stewardship and facilitate collective local actions among stakeholders in nature and cultural conservation