Climate Resilient Cities: Integrating Nature-based Solutions in Urban Planning
Day 1 : 12:15 – 13:05
Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in an urban setting refer to actions that work with and enhance nature to address societal challenges in cities. This session will explore how integrating NbS into the design and development of Hong Kong can create a more livable, sustainable, resilient, and equitable urban environment. Some key examples include restoring natural wetlands and reforestation strategies that can help regulate temperatures, manage stormwater and flooding, improve air quality, and provide recreational opportunities. Access to nature and green spaces also facilitate exercise, spiritual nourishment and community interaction.
Using the Northern Metropolis Development as a key example, the session will also delve into the potential for NbS for addressing climate related threats as well as the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration for successful integration and implementation of urban NbS.
Learnings
- How Nature-based Solutions (NbS) can increase resilience and improve human well-being in cities?
- Where are the major opportunities in implementing NbS in Hong Kong’s current urban landscape?
- What are some key stakeholders that need to be engaged in urban planning for successful NbS implementation?
Post-event Actions
- Gain knowledge on the potential for Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in the Northern Metropolis and Hong Kong.
- Gain valuable insights on how multi-sector collaborations are necessary for successful application of NbS.
Speakers
Moderator
Marine Thomas
Associate Director of Conservation
The Nature Conservancy
Marine Thomas
The Nature Conservancy
Associate Director of Conservation
As Associate Director of Conservation for TNC HK, Marine oversees all TNC’s local conservation programs, with a special focus on protecting and restoring wetland habitats. She joined TNC in 2014 as a volunteer, bringing 7 years of project management experience from various industries in the corporate world. She graduated with a Master’s degree in Environmental Management from HKU. Marine was born in HK with French-British background.
My Sustainability Goals for 2024:
To strengthen ocean health and coastal resilience in the Greater Bay Area by restoring habitats, revitalizing sustainable aquaculture, catalysing investment in Nature-based Solutions and engaging the general public in conservation action.
Kitty Tam
Programme Lead
Civic Exchange
Kitty Tam
Civic Exchange
Programme Lead
Kitty Tam is the Programme Lead of Hong Kong 2050 is Now. In her role, she aims to influence and encourage societies to adopt rapid, deep, and sustained climate actions, while promoting a nature-positive world. Having a diverse educational background in geography, business management, and environmental governance, Kitty has acquired a comprehensive understanding of the intricate connections between human activities and the natural world. With her previous experience at WWF-Hong Kong, Kitty played a key role in driving policy change to address pressing environmental challenges.
My Sustainability Goals for 2024:
1. Nature positive: The government set a clear target on biodiversity that aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in its next Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.
2. Carbon neutrality: The government publish the allocation of the $240 billion budget for carbon mitigation and adaptation.
3. Waste Management: The government provide a clear timetable and roadmap for the launch of the Municipal Waste Charging Scheme.
Ming-chuan Woo
Deputy Director
The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society
Ming-chuan Woo
The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society
Deputy Director
Ms. Woo is experienced in conservation advocacy and environmental monitoring in Hong Kong with over a decade of dedicated work in environmental NGOs. She actively engages with government departments and stakeholders providing ecological advice on various projects, works and management practices, and has published three reports assessing Hong Kong’s progress in biodiversity conservation under the Convention on Biological Diversity. Current environmental challenges are often complex and interconnected, she is particularly in cross-sector collaboration to seek practical solutions for nature conservation and benefits to the local community.
My Sustainability Goals for 2024:
- Raise awareness of the importance of our natural environment among all people in Hong Kong, no matter in what industry or field they are.
- Gain more support from different sectors nature conservation projects, especially for agriculture/aquaculture-related, and further develop conservation projects to be more socially, economically and ecologically sustainable.
- Assist Hong Kong to become a more eco-friendly city, which can in turn align with the national policy of Ecological Civilization and help fulfil mainland China’s obligation under the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Supported by
The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create scalable, collaborative solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges, from tackling climate change and ensuring sustainable food and water to protecting critical ecosystems and empowering local communities.
Our sustainability goals for 2024:
TNC’s 2030 Global Goals
1. Avoid or sequester 3 billion metric tons of CO2 emissions per year
2. Conserve 4 billion hectares of ocean
3. Conserve 650 million hectares of land
4. Conserve 1 million hectares of rivers
5. Conserve 30 million hectares of lakes and wetlands
6. Benefit 45 million people
Products, Services & Solutions:
- Charity/NGO
General Enquiry Email Address: natureworkshk@tnc.org
General Enquiry Phone Number:22804878