Hong Kong’s Economic Fabric as a Conduit for Biodiversity Protection

Professor Christine Loh is Chief Development Strategist at the Institute for the Environment, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. She is a leading voice on public policy, climate governance and sustainable development in Hong Kong, with experience spanning government, the legislature, think tanks, business and academia. Loh was Under Secretary for the Environment in the HKSAR Government from 2012 to 2017, where she worked on air quality, climate change, energy, nature conservation and stakeholder engagement. She also served as Special Consultant to the Chief Executive’s Office on ecological civilization and the Greater Bay Area from 2019 to 2020. Earlier in her career, she was a Member of the Hong Kong Legislative Council. At HKUST, Professor Loh focuses on climate policy, sustainability transitions, green finance, governance and regional cooperation. She is also a published author and frequent commentator on environmental policy, climate risk, China and Hong Kong affairs. She currently serves on the board of Towngas Smart Energy, and is Scholar in Residence at Asia Society Hong Kong from 2023 to 2026.

Sam has been developing strategy and leading numerous projects focusing on the wildlife trade since 2016. His work entails conducting research, developing campaigns and engaging stakeholders. He manages the Foundation’s ‘Wildlife Product Seizures’ (WiPS) database and ‘Seizure to Sentencing’ (S2S) initiative, has co-authored numerous reports and papers on wildlife crime and exotic animal trade, led dialogues with the Hong Kong Government, civil society and the private sector, and presented in fora ranging from local schools to the United Nations. With over a decade of experience addressing environmental issues across Asia, Sam previously served as Cryosphere Programme Coordinator at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), a writer for Columbia University, and consulted for several NGOs. Sam holds an MSc in Climate Change & Risk Management as well as a BSc in Geography from the University of Exeter (UK).

My Sustainability Goals for 2026:

1.  Strengthen Hong Kong’s wildlife trade enforcement by closing policy loopholes, enhancing enforcement and building stakeholder coalitions, directly supporting HK BSAP Action 1.6 and the 5YP’s ecological security pillar.
2. Mainstream the interconnectedness of climate and biodiversity into policy through targeted stakeholder engagement and capacity-building, contributing to HK BSAP Priority Action 2.5.

Melanie is the Assistant General Manager (Sustainability) and the Head of Sustainability of Sino Group. She oversees a range of sustainability projects related to ESG. Being a specialist in the realm of Sustainable Development for nearly 20 years, Melanie has also gained extensive experiences in Sustainable Tourism and Stakeholder Engagement.
Melanie holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Management from the Imperial College London, a Master Degree of Science in Environment and Development from the London School of Economics and Political Science, a Master Degree in Sustainable Business from the University of Cambridge. She is also a certified Sustainable Tourism Professional by Global Sustainable Tourism Council.
Melanie is serving various public duties, including the Vice Chairman of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC)’s Environment & Sustainability Committee, a member of the Publicity Working Group of Environmental Campaign Committee (ECC), a sub-committee member on Youth and Capacity Building of the Environment and Ecology Bureau, HKSAR Government and a member of the Advisory Committee on Recycling Fund (RFAC) of the Environment and Ecology Bureau, HKSAR Government.

My Sustainability Goals for 2024

Joining hands with our stakeholders in creating better lifescapes.

Alistair Monument joined ISEAL in August this year to support credible and effective sustainability systems through robust practices, multistakeholder engagement and supply chain solutions at a global scale. Alistair leads the Impacts and Innovations Programme, driving impact on climate, biodiversity, livelihoods and human rights while also helping to shape strategy and build global partnerships.

Before, he was WWF International’s Conservation Impact Director in Asia Pacific, supporting regional and national teams to build impactful strategies, partnerships and programmes. He previously served as Global Forest Practice leader for WWF, as the Asia Pacific Director for FSC and was the founding Director of ASI. Alistair has expertise across fields including conservation, forestry, climate, labour rights, land rights, development, standards and certification.

Martin is an experienced sustainability professional with over 25 years experience driving and implementing practical and effective sustainability programmes, primarily in Hong Kong.
Martin had a key role in the environmental planning for HKIA’s expansion into a 3-runway system, including securing an Environmental Permit for the mega-project and working to implement far reaching mitigation and enhancement commitments during project implementation. A key focus now is supporting the establishment of a much expanded marine protected area in N. Lantau waters together with implementing broad ranging enhancement initiatives intended to add value to nearby marine habitats.

In addition to working on biodiversity challenges, Martin previously led the design and roll out of an airport-wide carbon footprint and emissions reduction programme at HKIA, establishing a partnering and engagement approach across the airport business community to leverage a reduced airport environmental footprint.

My Sustainability Goals for 2023:

Ever hopeful for real, collective, international progress on driving reduced environmental impacts in the context of increasingly ambitious yet often conveniently distant targets. On a personal scale, trying to make better choices and decisions in day to day life to better address local environmental impacts that I can control or influence.