Media

HKU holds kick-off ceremony for Rooftop Farming Project

16 Sep 2013

 

Promoting the awareness of sustainable development and responsible citizenship is one of the common objectives of the General Education Unit and the Sustainability Office of the University of Hong Kong (HKU).  The ‘Rooftop Farming Project’ is a key element of this effort by introducing the practice of organic farming on campus.  It aims to raise the awareness of sustainable lifestyles and foster a sense of responsibility to the natural environment by reconnecting people and farming.  It also aims to explore the potential value of rooftops in a high-density urban city.  By working closely with the vegetarian restaurant on campus, this project demonstrates how one may put in real practice a sustainable food cycle that encourages consumption of local produce with minimal carbon footprints and reduces food waste by composting.

A rooftop farm has been set up at the Runme Shaw Building in HKU and a team of urban farmers has been formed by devoted students.  They are responsible for the maintenance of the farm under the guidance of farming instructors.  A series of urban farming workshops and activities will also be organised to engage more students and staff of HKU.  Moreover, there will be semiannual open farm day for the public.

Dr. Steven J. Cannon, Executive Vice-President (Administration and Finance) of HKU and Mrs. Ann Kung, Head of Personal Banking (General Manager), Bank of China (Hong Kong) officiated at the ceremony to kick-off the project today (September 16).  Other guests were Dr. Albert Chau, Dean of Student Affairs and Director of General Education, Dr. Wong Chi Chung, Assistant Director of General Education, Ms. Ann Kildah, Sustainability Manager and representatives from Time To Grow, Greenwoods (HKUSU) and Bijas Vegetarian Restaurant.

The project is co-organised by the General Education Unit and Sustainability Office of HKU, sponsored by the BOCHK Charitable Foundation, and supported by Time To Grow, Greenwoods (HKUSU), and Bijas Vegetarian Restaurant.

For media enquiry, please contact Ms. Celeste Shai, the General Education Unit, HKU (Tel: 2241 5045 / e-mail: cymshai@hku.hk)