Hong Kong plants 30 'coral of hope' for coastal park 30th anniversary
Hong Kong's Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department planted 30 'coral of hope' specimens to mark the 30th anniversary of the city's first coastal parks. Officials said the event highlights collaboration between government, academia and society to expand marine protected areas and boost bi
The Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) planted 30 'coral of hope' specimens in Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park on 2 November 2026 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the city's first coastal parks and coastal protection areas.
Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan said at the planting ceremony that coral communities are a precious natural asset for Hong Kong. He noted that over the past three decades, coastal parks have not only safeguarded marine habitats but also served as important sites for scientific research and public engagement with the ocean. The planting ceremony, he added, was a testament to long-term collaboration between the government, academic institutions, Hong Kong and Shenzhen authorities, and society. It would also advance targets under the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) to systematically expand the marine protected area network and protect and restore habitats and species, thereby enhancing biodiversity in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Hong Kong has recorded more than 80 species of stony coral, roughly one-tenth of the global total, giving them high ecological value. Since the establishment of the city's first coastal parks and coastal protection area in 1996, Hong Kong now has eight coastal parks and one coastal protection area covering a total area of 8,517 hectares, protecting diverse marine habitats including precious coral communities. Beyond statutory protection, AFCD has for years actively conserved local corals through long-term monitoring, scientific research, public education, and the development and implementation of habitat restoration strategies.
AFCD is also pushing ahead with plans to designate Kwo Chau Tsai Coastal Park to protect important coral communities on both sides of the area. The 'coral of hope' specimens planted were bred in a local laboratory and transplanted to Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park, which has good water quality and provides an ideal growing environment for corals. AFCD hopes the activity will encourage all sectors of society to join hands in protecting Hong Kong's precious marine resources.
This year, AFCD is organising a series of 30th-anniversary celebration activities under the theme 'Explore and Protect Together, Appreciate and Cherish Together'. These include a roving exhibition, eco-tours, workshops and diverse experiential activities to introduce Hong Kong's rich marine biodiversity and conservation achievements over the years, encouraging the public to experience the natural beauty of coastal parks and actively participate in marine ecological conservation.