The Hong Kong government launched an updated Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (BSAP) on December 31, 2025, building on the success of the 2016 version and incorporating the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, China's updated national BSAP, public consultation feedback, and Hong Kong's new challenges and opportunities. The plan focuses on four key areas to integrate biodiversity conservation into urban life and sustainable development.
Hong Kong, a city equipped with world-class modern infrastructure yet graced with rich, diverse natural ecosystems, saw its government launch the first Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (BSAP) in 2016, collaborating with community sectors to protect precious ecological resources and advance sustainable development.
Building on the initial phase's achievements, the updated BSAP was released on December 31, 2025, taking into account international and national initiatives such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and China’s updated national BSAP, along with public consultation feedback and Hong Kong's emerging challenges and opportunities. The plan emphasizes four focus areas to maintain and restore biodiversity through integrated, area-based measures.
The first area prioritizes protecting ecosystems and species, with actions like strengthening management of high ecological value sites outside protected areas, such as Shui Hau and Sharp Island, and establishing a wetland conservation network, including the Sam Po Shue Wetland Conservation Park, to bolster critical habitat protection and enhance connectivity.
The second area deepens mainstreaming, promoting biodiversity conservation as a shared responsibility across society, integrating it into the economy, urban development, and community practices. For instance, NGOs and educational institutions can run education and engagement projects to connect the public with nature, while urban development stakeholders adopt “Nature-based Solutions” (NbS) and wildlife-friendly designs to embed conservation in cityscapes.
The third area focuses on capacity building, enhancing Hong Kong’s conservation efforts via education, professional development, and technological innovation. Examples include bolstering environmental education and ecological field learning in school curricula and STEAM programs; using technologies like drones and artificial intelligence for better ecological monitoring; and exploring commercially operated urban farms in suitable urban and new development areas.
The fourth area expands collaborative partnering, strengthening ties across regions, sectors, and communities to implement complementary measures safeguarding shared natural environments. The BSAP positions biodiversity protection as everyone's duty, serving as an invitation for citizens—students, office workers, entrepreneurs, or retirees—to participate actively.
Information source: Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department; co-organiser for promotion: Environmental Campaign Committee; funding for promotion: Environment and Conservation Fund.
