The Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects has recently responded to the public consultation on the updated Hong Kong Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (BSAP) by supporting the government’s actions but at the same time asking for a “whole of government” approach that integrates biodiversity considerations across different policies and actions of the government.
The HKILA also recommends that a cross sector platform needs to be established with representatives from relevant government bureaus including the Environment and Ecology Bureau, the Development Bureau, the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau along with government major works departments along with relevant professional institutes and organizations. They also suggest that there is a review of existing government-led committees (Urban Forestry Panel, Countryside Conservation Fund, etc) and funding to explore integrating or synergizing them for the goals under BSAP.
The HKILA has also provided twelve points for Mainstreaming Biodiversity & Nature-based Solution (NbS) in Urban Development which include proposals to expanding marine protected areas, restoration of ecologically degraded land, whole life cycle of urban development from planning to implementation to management & maintenance, domesticate international NbS into local planning and design standards, propose 20% of the total area of open space to be “eco-friendly” zones, ensure sufficient and reliable supply of native species for greening works in urban developments and so on.
The HKILA also provides a list of current local and international initiatives that they are organising or collaborating on to provide access to knowledge and experience, and offer to work with the government and other stakeholders to achieve common goals.
The HKILA response letter to the government can be found at the HKILA website.
COVER Image: View of Hong Kong from the Peak November 18, 2024 – Image Credit: Flickr User Mustang Joe