The United Nations has proclaimed May 22 The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. As the global community is called to re-examine its relationship to the natural world, one thing is certain: despite all our technological advances we are completely dependent on healthy and vibrant ecosystems for our health, water, food, medicines, clothes, fuel, shelter and energy, just to name a few. The theme of IDB in 2020, “Our solutions are in nature” emphasises hope, solidarity and the importance of working together at all levels to build a future of life in harmony with nature.

2020 is a year of reflection, opportunity and solutions. It is expected, from each of us, that we will “Build Back Better” by using this time to increase the resilience of nations and communities as we recover from this pandemic. 2020 is the year when, more than ever, the world can signal a strong will for a global framework that will “bend the curve” on biodiversity loss for the benefit of humans and all life on Earth.

This year, The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) celebrations will look a little different as we all try our best to practice social distancing and protect the health of local communities amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s also a perfect time to look at our own community in Hong Kong and what’s special in our own backyard.

In this one-hour workshop, we’ll learn about a few special things about the biodiversity in Hong Kong.

Topics we’ll cover

- Are there any unique animals and plants in Hong Kong (not found anywhere else)?

- What are some endangered animals living in here?

- What are protected areas in Hong Kong and what exactly are they protecting?

- What are easy ways to learn about identifying and protecting animals?

Join us to learn more about how we can all get a little creative and still celebrate this year's International Day for Biological Diversity.