Saving a Banyan Tree on World Environment Day
On June 5, 2010, World Environment Day, a banyan tree near the former Haking Wong stairs was transplanted due to the construction of the MTR West Island Line, and transplanted further inside the campus.
The banyan tree was one of two trees affected by the construction of the subway station. The MTR proposed cutting down both trees and obtained approval in mid-2009.
However, as environmental and heritage conservation is one of the key principles that guide HKU campus development and since tree preservation has been a top priority, the University sought expert opinion on the feasibility of transplanting the trees, and concluded that, in order to maximize survival rate, only one banyan tree should be transplanted. The proposal was supported by the Central and Western District Council.
The tree was transplanted in what was formerly parking space near the West Gate. The transplant exercise signifies HKU’s commitment to tree preservation. It also demonstrates the effort of HKU and MTR to strike a balance between conservation and development.
