The Hong Kong 2024 International Urban Forestry Conference opened at the Science Park today, bringing about 20 speakers from Hong Kong, the Mainland and overseas together to share their insights on various key topics related to urban forestry.

Organised by the Development Bureau with the theme “Green Metropolis - The Crucial Role of Urban Forests for a Sustainable Future”, the three-day conference offers a platform for international experts and greening and landscape industry practitioners to exchange views as well as examine various related matters.

Site visits and sharing sessions will also be arranged for participants to learn about urban forestry.

In his opening address, Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong said in the course of dealing with the many challenges in the development of a dense, compact city, including overcoming housing and infrastructural challenges, the greening and landscaping aspects have never been overlooked in Hong Kong.

Throughout the years, the Government has stipulated planning and design requirements for the provision of parks and open spaces, and planting requirements in construction projects, he added. 

Mr Wong also highlighted that a study sponsorship scheme and a trainee programme, which were rolled out by the Government under the Urban Forestry Support Fund in 2020, have had encouraging and promising results.

He also expressed confidence that the initiatives would continue to be instrumental in building a quality workforce in Hong Kong to support urban forestry work.

About 800 participants were drawn to attend the conference on-site. Live streaming is also available online.

Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn also attended the conference.