An ICHK project to help improve the biodiversity of the Lok Ma Chau Wetland is underway.

The wetland area is under management by MTR and environmental work is being carried out, following the construction of the Lok Ma Chau loop line.

HKU is working with them to manage the area, with a focus on finding nature-based solutions and social innovations to improve biodiversity.

ICHK is supporting the work with a proof of concept project which has been launched at school. Students will be growing lilies and other water plants which will later be transferred to the wetlands to provide habitats for rare birds like the Golden Jacana Pheasant.

In preparation for a Deep Learning unit, students have been building the planters that will grow the various plants, including Sooy Lin, Water fern and water clover. Each plant has either conservation value or will act as filter plants to remove toxins from the water.

Because of our involvement with the project, students are also benefiting from other unique learning opportunities. Bushcraft students and Year 12 ESS students undertook a site visit to the Lok Ma Chau area, which is typically off limits to the general public.

For the ESS students, the experience brought to life topics covered in class. It was great seeing the surprise and excitement by the ESS students when the guide explained a solution to 'eutrophication' right in front of them.

Another highlight for the students was watching the flocks of birds catching newly released fish. Many hadn't realised that these scenes existed in Hong Kong.

We are proud of our close community links and to be providing these real-life applications of classroom topics which complement other ICHK initiatives like the tree planting project, gardening, and Starling Inlet Fieldwork.