HK SciFest 2018 Seminar - Transforming Waterways into Living Streams

DSD Senior Environmental Protection Officer, Mr YUNG Kin-ki, delivered a talk in a HK SciFest 2018 "Exploring Freshwater Life in Hong Kong" seminar held on 21 April, introducing how the sustainable eco-friendly green river corridors with high ecological value were built by DSD through river improvement works.
 

Mr Yung cited 4 leading drivers in transforming our waterways: Sustainable Development Goals laid down by the United Nations for 2030, Sponge City concept in flood alleviation in cities, blue-green infrastructure development for climate change adaptation and the preservation of biodiversity in Hong Kong as advocated in BSAP. He stressed the importance of respecting the natural flow regime of each river channel which shapes the food web, water quality, micro-habitats and relationships between species in the locality.  Using examples, he showed how DSD raises ecological value and biodiversity by introducing more physical complexity into channels by creating bends, permeable river beds, pools and riffles, vegetated banks, wetland and shallow floodplain.  
 

The seminar "Exploring Freshwater Life in Hong Kong" was co-organized by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and DSD in association with the Hong Kong Science Museum under HK SciFest 2018. 



Senior Environmental Protection Officer of DSD, Mr YUNG Kin-ki, participated in a seminar under HK SciFest 2018



Ma Wat River after river improvement works