The Review 2008

41 A Natural Habitat for New Green Centre A unique par tnership between the University and the Environmental Protection Depar tment (EPD) is providing people with a chance to experience and learn more about Hong Kong Island’s natural beauty. The Lung Fu Shan Environmental Education Centre, located on the southern slope of the campus, is open to the public and offers guided walks and workshops on environmental matters. A pr imar y goal of the Centre is to raise publ ic awareness about the environment in a setting surrounded by local flora and fauna.There’s an ecopond with a variety of freshwater fish and plants, a cour tyard planted to attract birds and butterflies, and solar panels to generate electricity. Three historic buildings on the site, built between 1914 and 1919, contain workshop facilities and displays on climate change, local herbs and plants and the area’s wild animals. The Centre is also preparing to be a base for research activities, such as using camera-traps to photograph animals in the wild and learn more about their behaviour. The Centre was officially opened in April 2008 by HKU’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lap-Chee Tsui, and the Secretary for the Environment, EdwardYau, who said: “The new centre will help develop the public’s sense of responsibility to protect natural habitats and combat environmental problems like climate change.” The capital costs of the project were funded by the EPD, while HKU has under taken to allocate $1 million a year for five years to manage the facility under the new Kadoorie Institute. Professor Tsui said: “We were par ticular ly enthusiastic to be involved in this impor tant project not only because of its proximity to our own campus but also because it would showcase the University’s firm commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability.” The University underscored that commitment earlier in the year with the appointment of a new Sustainability Officer, Ann Kildahl. She will be addressing the University’s physical impact on the environment, such as electricity and transpor t use and waste management, as well as promoting more sustainable ways of living among students and staff. The Review 2008 • Community 40