Our Commitment to SDG 15: Safeguarding Ecosystems and Biodiversity
Lingnan University is deeply committed to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15: Life on Land, which focuses on the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. Through innovative educational programmes, impactful research initiatives, and community partnerships, Lingnan strives to protect biodiversity, combat land degradation, and promote the sustainable utilisation of natural resources. By integrating hands-on learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and meaningful community engagement, Lingnan empowers students, researchers, and the wider community to contribute to safeguarding ecosystems, enhancing farmland sustainability, and supporting Hong Kong’s biodiversity. Our efforts reflect a holistic approach to addressing pressing ecological challenges while fostering a culture of sustainability for future generations.
1. Developing Strong Educational Programmes for Students and the Community on Protecting Ecosystems and Land
Lingnan University actively advances Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15 by fostering interdisciplinary teaching, hands-on learning, and meaningful community engagement. Our curriculum emphasizes key topics such as conservation, ecology, climate change, and the interaction between science and society. Through this approach, we aim to cultivate strong scientific literacy and empower individuals to take action in protecting ecosystems and land.
Students gain practical experience through fieldwork, service-learning, and real-world projects, including habitat restoration, biodiversity monitoring, and the application of nature-based solutions. Beyond the classroom, we extend our impact to the broader community by offering workshops, public lectures, and citizen science initiatives in collaboration with schools, NGOs, and local organizations.
To view the list of courses offered by the Science Unit, click here.
Educational Programmes on Ecosystems
Lingnan University collaborates closely with NGOs and government agencies to offer free courses and workshops to the public. Since 2017, Lingnan University has partnered with Outdoor Wildlife Learning Hong Kong to organize intergenerational eco-classrooms focused on amphibians and reptiles. Through high-quality lectures and outdoor environmental education, we aim to enhance public understanding of local amphibians and reptiles.
Educational Programme on Sustainable Management of Land for Agriculture
As part of our commitment to SDG 15: Life on Land, Lingnan University organized the Introductory Rice Harvesting Course (河上鄉稻米收割初體驗) in collaboration with The Conservancy Association in 2024/2025. This program aimed to promote sustainable land management and foster a deeper understanding of local agriculture.
Participants not only learned about the traditional practice of rice farming but also gained hands-on experience in harvesting at Ho Sheung Heung, a village with a rich farming history. Through this activity, they explored the importance of sustainable agricultural practices in preserving biodiversity and maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Prof. Anthony Lau of the Science Unit joined the event, providing participants with valuable insights into food science and the role of sustainable farming in ensuring food security while protecting natural habitats. This initiative highlights the critical connection between agriculture, ecosystem conservation, and sustainable development.
The Introductory Rice Harvesting Course (河上鄉稻米收割初體驗) in collaboration with The Conservancy Association in 2024/2025
Participants not only learned about the traditional practice of rice farming but also gained hands-on experience in harvesting at Ho Sheung Heung, a village with a rich farming history.
Educational Programme/Outreach on Sustainable Management of Land for Tourism:
CUS2411: Food, Technology and Environments
At Lingnan University, our commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 15 (Life on Land) drives initiatives that promote sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship. In 2024/2025, through the Service-Learning project of CUS2411, students embarked on The Journey of Food, an immersive exploration of food production, consumption, and waste management. This hands-on experience not only deepened their understanding of local agriculture but also highlighted the importance of sustainable practices and reducing food waste, fostering a meaningful connection to the land and the stories behind the food we eat.
Cycling x Watercolor Journey: Low-Carbon GO!
As part of the Educational Programme on Sustainable Land Management for Tourism and in alignment with SDG 15: Life on Land, the Science Unit at Lingnan University partnered with the Tin Shui Wai Development Network’s cycling group, Get Set Go, to organize the Cycling x Watercolor Journey: Low-Carbon GO!.
This unique event, held on February 10, 2025, combined artistic expression with eco-friendly outdoor activities. Led by a professional cycling guide and watercolor instructor, participants explored the scenic outskirts of Tin Shui Wai by bike while creating stunning watercolor artwork inspired by the natural beauty of the area.
This initiative emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism by promoting low-carbon activities like cycling and encouraging participants to connect with nature through art. With just a paintbrush and a bicycle, participants created lasting memories in harmony with the environment.
The project not only showcased the perfect match between cycling and art but also highlighted how sustainable tourism can protect natural landscapes and biodiversity while fostering creativity and wellness.
Tai O Cultural x Ecological Conservation Day Tour:
As part of the Educational Programme on Sustainable Land Management for Tourism and in alignment with SDG 15: Life on Land, the Science Unit at Lingnan University, in collaboration with the Tai O Cultural Association and A Plastic Ocean Foundation, organized a unique day tour in 2024/2025. This one-day experience blended culture and conservation in Tai O, fostering awareness of sustainable tourism practices.
Workshop 1: Sand Clam Music Box: Led by the Tai O Cultural Association, this workshop introduced participants to the rich heritage of Tai O’s fishing culture. Participants learned how to craft a music box using sand clam shells, connecting art and creativity with the traditions of this historic fishing village.
Workshop 2: Oyster Shell Eco-Net: Run by A Plastic Ocean Foundation, this hands-on workshop focused on sustainability and coastal conservation. Participants created eco-friendly nets using recycled oyster shells and explored how these nets contribute to building a “Living Shoreline,” a sustainable method for protecting coastal ecosystems and promoting biodiversity.
This immersive day tour combined cultural appreciation with actionable ecological conservation efforts, highlighting the importance of preserving local heritage and protecting natural habitats through sustainable tourism practices.
A Date with Nature: Bird-Watching x Fisheries Field Trip:
As part of the Educational Programme on Sustainable Land Management for Tourism, this field trip is offered by Lingnan University’s Science Unit in 2024/25 in alignment with SDG 15: Life on Land. Hong Kong is home to a rich ecosystem that serves as a vital habitat for countless species. This trip highlights the importance of sustainable practices in conservation while providing participants with a unique opportunity to connect with both nature and local traditions.
In collaboration with the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society (HKBWS), this interactive experience features:
A professional guide interpreting the importance of fishpond conservation and sustainable fisheries in Hong Kong.
A bird-watching session at the fishponds, using binoculars to get an up-close look at the diverse bird species that thrive in this habitat.
A chance to meet and chat with a local fishpond operator (fish farmer) to gain insights into their daily work and traditional practices.
A live fishnet casting demonstration, showcasing the traditional art of fishing.
This eco-tour not only highlights the cultural significance of fishpond operations but also emphasizes the role of sustainable practices in preserving biodiversity. Join us for this unique journey that connects you with both nature and local traditions!
2. Working with the Community on Sustainable Utilisation of the Land and the Protection of the Shared Land Ecosystems
Lingnan University has been actively engaged in multiple multi-year projects that align with Sustainable Development Goal 15 (Life on Land). These initiatives aim to contribute to sustainable agriculture and the protection of shared land ecosystems through close collaboration with local farmers and various stakeholders. By promoting eco-friendly farming practices, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable land use, the projects empower communities to address ecological challenges and enhance farmland sustainability. Among these impactful initiatives are the Mui Wo Eco-Farming and Pollinator Conservation Project and the Farm Floral Strips: Enhancing Pollinator Diversity and Farmland Ecology, which demonstrate the lab’s commitment to revitalizing farmland ecology and supporting pollinator populations. These efforts, along with other ongoing projects, reflect a holistic approach to fostering sustainable agricultural practices and preserving natural ecosystems in Hong Kong.
Mui Wo Eco-Farming and Pollinator Conservation Project
The Mui Wo Eco-Farming and Pollinator Conservation Project is a one-day program designed for farmers and individuals interested in sustainable agriculture and conservation. Held in August 2024, the project was organized by the Lingnan Science Unit in collaboration with the Lantau Conservation Fund and local farmers. This workshop promotes biodiversity conservation and sustainable land use in Hong Kong, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 15 (Life on Land).
The program aims to teach participants essential concepts and techniques, including crop rotation, companion planting, and natural pest control, to enhance the ecological value of farmlands for pollinators. It also emphasizes the importance of pollinators, eco-friendly farm management practices, and methods to revitalize farm ecosystems. Through farm visits and hands-on activities, such as constructing artificial nesting boxes, participants will be empowered to preserve ecosystems and contribute to the enhancement of farmland ecology.
The program aims to teach participants essential concepts and techniques, including crop rotation, companion planting, and natural pest control, to enhance the ecological value of farmlands for pollinators.
Through farm visits and hands-on activities, such as constructing artificial nesting boxes, participants will be empowered to preserve ecosystems and contribute to the enhancement of farmland ecology.
Farm Floral Strips: Enhancing Pollinator Diversity and Farmland Ecology
Since 2024, Lingnan University’s Applied Ecology and Conservation Laboratory has been spearheading a three-year research project in Mui Wo titled “Revitalizing Farmland Ecology: Conserving Mui Wo’s Pollinating Insects and Ecosystem Services,” supported by the Lantau Conservation Fund. This initiative demonstrates the Lingnan Science Unit’s strong commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 15 (Life on Land) by actively promoting biodiversity and sustainable land use.
The project focuses on surveying pollinating insect diversity and fostering eco-friendly agriculture through close collaboration with local farmers. Beginning in March 2025, the team launched a 22-month partnership with eight farms, planting nectar-producing plants like Mexican marigold and basil across 30 square meters. These efforts aim to attract key pollinators such as honeybees, solitary bees, and butterflies, enhancing the ecological value of farmland and supporting pollinator populations.
Through regular monitoring of pollinator species and abundance, the research will identify suitable nectar plants for flower strips across seasons, promoting pollinator diversity and sustainable farming practices. The findings will ultimately be compiled into a practical booklet for local farmers, enabling effective implementation of floral strips and further supporting biodiversity conservation in Hong Kong.
Lingnan University Champions Sustainable Utilisation of Land: Forests, Wetlands, and Wildlands:
Lingnan University’s Master of Social Sciences in Comparative Public Administration hosted the Comparative Public Administration Seminar Series in 2024/2025, reinforcing its commitment to the sustainable utilisation of land, including forests, wetlands, and wildlands. These efforts align with the university’s dedication to Sustainable Development Goal 15 (Life on Land) and its broader mission to promote ecological conservation and sustainable land management.
One of the key seminars in the series, titled “Policies in Mainland China and Hong Kong (SAR) on Wetland and Migratory Waterbird Conservation”, featured Ms Fion Cheung, Manager of Flyway Planning and Training at WWF-Hong Kong. Ms Cheung provided an in-depth exploration of the policies and practices essential to conserving wetlands as critical habitats for migratory waterbirds along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.
Drawing from her extensive experience, Ms. Cheung shared her work on cooperation projects with nature reserves in mainland China and her management of the Asian Waterbird Conservation Fund, which supports NGOs, researchers, and government departments dedicated to wetland and waterbird conservation across Asia. She also spoke about wetland management training conducted at the Mai Po Nature Reserve, which showcases WWF-Hong Kong’s decades of expertise in habitat management, research and monitoring, environmental education, ecotourism, and management planning.
This seminar highlighted the importance of sustainable land use policies for protecting biodiversity and ensuring the longevity of critical ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, and wildlands. Lingnan University’s dedication to fostering education and dialogue on these issues reflects its commitment to addressing global ecological challenges and promoting sustainable development practices that benefit both human and natural systems. Through initiatives like this, Lingnan inspires collaborative action to protect and sustainably manage the planet’s invaluable natural resources.
Saving the Beale’s Eyed Turtle: Lingnan University and Ocean Park Collaborate on Conservation Efforts
The Beale’s Eyed Turtle, a native freshwater species in Hong Kong, is critically endangered, with fewer than 100 adult individuals remaining in the wild. This alarming decline is largely due to illegal poaching and habitat loss. In response, the Science Unit at Lingnan University has joined forces with Ocean Park in a groundbreaking project to conserve and restore the population of this rare species, aligning with SDG 15: Life on Land.
Since 2018, the collaboration has focused on the artificial breeding of the Beale’s Eyed Turtle. This effort has successfully yielded ten hatchlings so far, a small but significant step toward species recovery. The project’s ultimate goal is to release these turtles back into their natural habitat, but this depends heavily on the ability to combat illegal poaching effectively and protect their fragile ecosystems.
One unique aspect of the Beale’s Eyed Turtle is its gender determination, which is influenced by incubation temperatures. With a higher proportion of wild females currently observed, the team is experimenting with techniques to hatch more males to ensure a balanced population. The turtles are being carefully nurtured with a nutritious diet of fruits, vegetables, and insects to enhance their health and increase breeding success rates.
This collaborative initiative underscores the importance of conservation science, sustainable practices, and strict enforcement against illegal wildlife activities to protect and restore Hong Kong’s biodiversity.
Hong Kong Newt Roadkill Surveyor 2024: A Conservation Initiative by Lingnan University
Organized by the Science Unit of Lingnan University and funded through the crowdfunding project Life (Cycle) of the Hong Kong Newt, the Hong Kong Newt Roadkill Surveyor Program 2024 invites passionate individuals to take part in field surveys addressing the roadkill crisis affecting this endangered species. This initiative aligns with SDG 15: Life on Land, focusing on the sustainable utilization and conservation of natural habitats, including forests and wildlands.
Each spring, as the Hong Kong Newt migrates from streams to forests, tragic roadkill incidents occur. Last year alone, over 100 newt carcasses were found on Fei Ngo Shan Road, highlighting the devastating impact of human-wildlife conflict. Many of these deaths result from motor vehicles unintentionally running over the newts during their seasonal migration.
The program seeks to raise public awareness about this critical issue while mobilizing efforts toward conservation. By participating as a Roadkill Surveyor, individuals will contribute to gathering essential data, which can inform strategies to mitigate roadkill and protect the Hong Kong Newt’s habitats.
As the newts begin their journey again this spring, this program aims to prevent further losses and work toward sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife. Together, we can take meaningful steps to conserve the Hong Kong Newt and ensure the protection of our shared ecosystems.
3. Natural History Collection: Supporting Biodiversity Conservation in Hong Kong
Established in 2019, the Natural History Collection aligns with the goals of Hong Kong's Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (BSAP) and is funded by the Environment and Conservation Fund (ECF) of the Hong Kong Government (ECF 86/2081). This initiative supports SDG 15: Life on Land, focusing on the sustainable conservation of biodiversity.
The primary goal of the collection is to document the herpetological diversity across Hong Kong, creating a valuable resource for research, conservation, and education. The collection comprises:
Specimens preserved in ethanol, providing a physical record of species diversity.
High-quality images of both live and preserved specimens, aiding identification and public awareness.
Tissue samples preserved in ethanol and RNA later, supporting advanced genetic and molecular research.
This collection is an important step toward promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable land management. Access the collection here.
4. Lingnan Gardeners: Cultivating Sustainability, Community, and Knowledge
The Lingnan Gardeners at Lingnan University embodies the principle of "nurturing the soil and nurturing the roots, cultivating trees and cultivating persons". Announced on September 22, 2014, and formally launched on November 25 of the same year, the Lingnan Gardeners project has now thrived for over a decade. Starting with three separate plots approved by the university, it once expanded to 255 square meters at its peak. Over three dozen crops (potatoes, wheat), vegetables (spinach, lettuce, cabbage, herbs (basil, nutans) and fruit trees (papaya, dragon fruit), etc., are grown in open, public sites between academic buildings. To date, over 1,000 individuals — including faculty, students, alumni, their relatives, friends, and members of the public — have participated in planting, learning, and volunteer activities.
We provide, for free, students, staff and members from the community organic veggies and fruits grown from the Lingnan Garden, to raise awareness on food insecurity and hunger issues and to share our great produce from the Garden.
We work with local farmers especially the postgraduates and graduates from Lingnan University. Some of them become full-time or part-time farmers after graduation. We organise events for local farmers and food producers to connect and transfer knowledge, and to promote their work and produce to the university community. For example, we organize food and veggie fairs on campus. We also provide workshops or other knowledge and technology to local farmers to help them have access to sustainable farming and agriculture knowledge, and we offer seeds conserved by Lingnan Gardeners. We provide access to university facilities (e.g. the campus farming plots) to local farmers and food producers to improve sustainable farming practices, and they are allowed to do work on our campus. We also offer demonstrations and short farming courses to residents of housing estates, high school students, patients and staff from Tuen Mun Hospital, and student residents of the University. Our students are also arranged tour to local farms to learn about the agricultural situation in Hong Kong and appreciate the hard work of local farmers and food producers.