Explore what Ocean Park is all about.
“Ocean Park and Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong (OPCFHK) wholeheartedly embrace the HKBSAP 2035 and its forward-looking vision for the city,” said Ivan Wong, Chief Executive of Ocean Park Corporation. “Our mission has always been intrinsically linked to safeguarding biodiversity and fostering a deep connection between people and nature. We are proud to contribute our expertise in conservation, education, research and capacity building, and extensive public engagement platforms to support HKBSAP 2035’s implementation. We will work collaboratively with the government and a wide range of industry, corporate and academic partners towards a greener, more sustainable future for Hong Kong and beyond. Our initiatives, from the historic birth of giant panda cubs to our extensive rescue and education endeavours, exemplify our dedication to these shared goals.”
Comprehensive contributions across HKBSAP 2035’s strategic areas
Area 1: Nature conservation
Ocean Park and OPCFHK are at the forefront of driving crucial conservation actions to ensure the preservation of healthy ecosystems. This includes:
- Animal rescue and rehabilitation: We actively rescue and provide essential veterinary care for diverse marine, terrestrial and freshwater species, ranging from cetaceans, sea turtles to endangered animals like freshwater turtles.
- Pioneering species breeding: Our world-renowned expertise results in many successful breeding programmes for endangered species like tri-spine horseshoe crabs, Beale’s eyed turtles, sharks and rays, and more.
- Targeted habitat restoration and management: We initiate crucial restoration of habitats like intertidal mudflats, coral communities and seagrass beds, and work closely with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) to remove hazards such as “ghost nets” from marine environments.
- Backing efforts on anti-illegal trade: We support the government to care for confiscated endangered animals and educate the public on the impact of illegal trade of endangered wildlife.
Area 2: Deepening mainstreaming
Ocean Park and OPCFHK connect diverse communities with nature to foster biodiversity-friendly practices through a wide array of public engagement and immersive experiences:
- Educating the public and engaging community in sustainable living: Ocean Park serves as a central hub for biodiversity education, promoting conservation awareness and responsible wildlife appreciation. We actively involve local communities and schools in conservation and promote sustainable practices via key initiatives like the Ocean Park Conservation Alliance and Seahorse Rangers education programmes as well as the Eat Local initiative, under the wider advocacy campaign Mission R.
- Driving eco-friendly operation modes: The Ocean Park Sustainability Institute (OPSI) empowers corporations by facilitating the implementation of sustainable development practices across diverse sectors through actionable and effective strategies.
Area 3: Capacity building
We strengthen Hong Kong’s capacity for biodiversity conservation by nurturing talent, advancing research and deploying technology for innovative solutions:
- Cultivating future conservation leaders: We host youth training programmes, offer research and internship opportunities for university students, and train educators to integrate biodiversity into school curricula.
- Advancing knowledge and research: We drive advanced animal research, run programmes that enhance knowledge and skills for supporting conservation efforts, including intertidal mudflat biodiversity surveys.
- Robust infrastructure: Ocean Park’s world-class veterinary clinic, laboratories and animal facilities form essential biodiversity infrastructure.
- Innovative technology deployment: We utilise advanced technologies like AI for animal behavioural monitoring and studies, and assist in the application of advanced aquaculture methods for sustainable fishery management.
Area 4: Collaborative partnering
We foster a broad culture of collaboration across sectors and borders, amplifying conservation impact:
- Strategic inter-agency and cross-border alliances: We work extensively with local and mainland government bodies, universities, NGOs and international groups like the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and support species initiatives to protect a variety of animals including different freshwater turtles and the Chinese white dolphin.
- Global knowledge exchange: We convene leading conferences and workshops to facilitate knowledge exchange and promote international best practices.
Contributing to sustainable aquaculture
A recent example of Ocean Park’s contribution to the HKBSAP 2035 is its collaboration with Oasis One Development on a unique sustainable fish nursery project. This pioneering initiative aims to reinvigorate Hong Kong’s fishery industry by establishing a sustainable supply chain, producing robust, disease-free “Super Fry” fingerlings for responsible restocking and satisfying local fish farm demand. The project exemplifies how Ocean Park translates the HKBSAP 2035’s objectives into tangible action by leveraging its expertise and forming cross-sector partnership.
Ocean Park and OPCFHK remain dedicated to collaborating with the government and all stakeholders to achieve the goals of the HKBSAP 2035. Through active partnerships, continued innovation and a shared commitment to conservation, Ocean Park Corporation is poised to help shape a future where Hong Kong’s rich biodiversity thrives for generations, embodying its role as a vibrant, liveable and sustainable international metropolis.
