“Promoting Sustainability Through Hands-On Learning in Rural Hong Kong”
Under the guidance of Dr. Michael Chan from the Department of Social Science, students engaged in a service-learning project focused on Environmental Conservation and Ecotourism in Lai Chi Wo, a rural Hakka village in Hong Kong’s northeastern New Territories. Renowned for its traditional farming practices, provided a unique platform for students to explore effective strategies for environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Ecotour at Ma Lai Hau Hang
As part of their experience, students embarked on an eco tour at Ma Lai Hau Hang, exploring the ecologically important stream. This natural stream, characterised by its diverse ecosystems, provided a unique opportunity for students to witness firsthand how habitats support various animal and plant communities.
Service Day
In this project, students served in a range of hands-on tasks, including harvesting crops, weeding, and clearing mud from irrigation pipes. By engaging with organic farming practices, students gained practical insights. One student group assisted in promoting ice lollipops made from local ingredients crafted by villagers.
A student reflected, “I truly appreciated the ice pops made from fresh, local produce. This experience reinforced the importance of supporting sustainable agriculture and protecting our natural resources.”
Environmental Awareness
This experience raised awareness of Lai Chi Wo’s ecological significance and helped students understand the critical role of environmental conservation in maintaining healthy rural areas.
As another student noted, “This experience showed me that agricultural life is not only viable in Hong Kong but also essential for promoting eco-tourism and ensuring the sustainability of our natural environment.”