Media

The HKU Lai Chi Wo Revitalisation Project earlier won the inaugural Special Recognition for Sustainable Development in 2020’s UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. The project “upholds the key dimensions of sustainable development – economic, social and environmental – in undertaking the holistic rejuvenation of the historic Hakka agricultural settlement using nature-based solutions”. Recently, it has also been conferred an AIA Hong Kong Citation 2021 by the American Institute of Architects Hong Kong Chapter, in recognition of its significant contributions to architecture and built environment in the Chapter’s region.

Since its earliest action model for agricultural rehabilitation, Lai Chi Wo has gradually scaled up to 16 initiatives of various sizes that have been extended to villages beyond Lai Chi Wo. This mere 7-acre rural village has achieved 12 of 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); with village cultural continuum, hydrology-related research, sales and marketing, re-branding and shaping the potential of Hong Kong’s regenerative agriculture, each realised on the way.

Media representatives are cordially invited to a visit to Lai Chi Wo on November 25 for an update of the development and projects undergoing at the village including:

• A small piece of farmland simultaneously planted with large trees, papaya, coffee beans and turmeric
• Latest information on Hong-Kong-produced coffee beans and its prospects; producing mushrooms from used coffee grounds
• Upcycled farm-produced skincare products rediscovered
• Geological explanations and drawings of Hong Kong’s toponymies

We will also introduce several projects under development:

• Exhibit the use of earth plaster and natural materials as wall furnish for homes
• A variety of local fruit produce
• Briefing and interactive activities on local village culture
• Fisherfolk culture experiential activities

HKU will arrange boat service to Lai Chi Wo. Details are as follows:

Date: November 25, 2021 (Thursday)
Assembly time: 9:30 am
Assembly location: Ma Liu Shui pier (HKU boat service)
Return time: 2:30 pm

Please register to reserve a seat in advance by email to hkumedia@hku.hk, or by whatsapp to tel: 6347 2221.

Agreed article publish date: November 28, 2021 (Sunday)

Media contact:
Communication and Public Affairs Office:
Ms Melanie Wan (Tel: 2859 2600 / Email: melwkwan@hku.hk)
Ms Rashida Suffiad (Tel: 2857 8555 / Email: rsuffiad@hku.hk)