Professor Stephen Tang, BBS is an architect with over 40 years of experience in architecture, urban planning and design. He is a former Deputy Director of Architectural Services and Past President of the Hong Kong Institute of Urban Design, and is committed to improving the standard of public buildings and the quality of the living environment.

Prior to joining the Countryside Conservation Office, Professor Tang took a keen interest in the conservation of historic buildings and the urban environment, and was involved in a number of local architectural projects and the coordination of urban planning initiatives, including serving as Senior Design Consultant for the Hong Kong Palace Museum, Government Architect for Conserving Central and Head of the Kai Tak Office.

Professor Tang graduated from the University of Hong Kong with a degree in Architecture and taught as a Visiting Professor for over 10 years, and studied at the University of California, Berkeley and Tsinghua University in Beijing. He was awarded the Bronze Bauhinia Star in 2016 and has been appointed Head of the Countryside Conservation Office of the Environment and Ecology Bureau of the HKSAR Government since December 2020.

Professor Stephen Tang, BBS is an architect with over 40 years of experience in architecture, urban planning and design. He is a former Deputy Director of Architectural Services and Past President of the Hong Kong Institute of Urban Design, and is committed to improving the standard of public buildings and the quality of the living environment.

Prior to joining the Countryside Conservation Office, Professor Tang took a keen interest in the conservation of historic buildings and the urban environment, and was involved in a number of local architectural projects and the coordination of urban planning initiatives, including serving as Senior Design Consultant for the Hong Kong Palace Museum, Government Architect for Conserving Central and Head of the Kai Tak Office.

Professor Tang graduated from the University of Hong Kong with a degree in Architecture and taught as a Visiting Professor for over 10 years, and studied at the University of California, Berkeley and Tsinghua University in Beijing. He was awarded the Bronze Bauhinia Star in 2016 and has been appointed Head of the Countryside Conservation Office of the Environment and Ecology Bureau of the HKSAR Government since December 2020.

Professor Stephen Tang, BBS is an architect with over 40 years of experience in architecture, urban planning and design. He is a former Deputy Director of Architectural Services and Past President of the Hong Kong Institute of Urban Design, and is committed to improving the standard of public buildings and the quality of the living environment.

Prior to joining the Countryside Conservation Office, Professor Tang took a keen interest in the conservation of historic buildings and the urban environment, and was involved in a number of local architectural projects and the coordination of urban planning initiatives, including serving as Senior Design Consultant for the Hong Kong Palace Museum, Government Architect for Conserving Central and Head of the Kai Tak Office.

Professor Tang graduated from the University of Hong Kong with a degree in Architecture and taught as a Visiting Professor for over 10 years, and studied at the University of California, Berkeley and Tsinghua University in Beijing. He was awarded the Bronze Bauhinia Star in 2016 and has been appointed Head of the Countryside Conservation Office of the Environment and Ecology Bureau of the HKSAR Government since December 2020.

Professor Stephen Tang, BBS is an architect with over 40 years of experience in architecture, urban planning and design. He is a former Deputy Director of Architectural Services and Past President of the Hong Kong Institute of Urban Design, and is committed to improving the standard of public buildings and the quality of the living environment.

Prior to joining the Countryside Conservation Office, Professor Tang took a keen interest in the conservation of historic buildings and the urban environment, and was involved in a number of local architectural projects and the coordination of urban planning initiatives, including serving as Senior Design Consultant for the Hong Kong Palace Museum, Government Architect for Conserving Central and Head of the Kai Tak Office.

Professor Tang graduated from the University of Hong Kong with a degree in Architecture and taught as a Visiting Professor for over 10 years, and studied at the University of California, Berkeley and Tsinghua University in Beijing. He was awarded the Bronze Bauhinia Star in 2016 and has been appointed Head of the Countryside Conservation Office of the Environment and Ecology Bureau of the HKSAR Government since December 2020.

Professor Stephen Tang, BBS is an architect with over 40 years of experience in architecture, urban planning and design. He is a former Deputy Director of Architectural Services and Past President of the Hong Kong Institute of Urban Design, and is committed to improving the standard of public buildings and the quality of the living environment.

Prior to joining the Countryside Conservation Office, Professor Tang took a keen interest in the conservation of historic buildings and the urban environment, and was involved in a number of local architectural projects and the coordination of urban planning initiatives, including serving as Senior Design Consultant for the Hong Kong Palace Museum, Government Architect for Conserving Central and Head of the Kai Tak Office.

Professor Tang graduated from the University of Hong Kong with a degree in Architecture and taught as a Visiting Professor for over 10 years, and studied at the University of California, Berkeley and Tsinghua University in Beijing. He was awarded the Bronze Bauhinia Star in 2016 and has been appointed Head of the Countryside Conservation Office of the Environment and Ecology Bureau of the HKSAR Government since December 2020.

Mr. Tse joined the former Environmental Protection Agency in 1985 which was subsequently reorganised in 1986 to become the current Environmental Protection Department (EPD). Throughout the service with EPD, Mr. Tse had taken up a wide range of duties at professional and senior managerial levels. He was appointed as a Deputy Director of Environmental Protection in 2013 and subsequently as the Under Secretary for the Environment in August 2017.

Mr. Tse possesses a broad spectrum of experience in various areas of environmental protection, including law enforcement, computer modelling, environmental impact assessment and cross-boundary cooperation with the Mainland. During his tenure as the Under Secretary for the Environment, he helped spearhead the formulation of policies on air quality, waste management, climate actions and conservation.

Mr. Tse joined the former Environmental Protection Agency in 1985 which was subsequently reorganised in 1986 to become the current Environmental Protection Department (EPD). Throughout the service with EPD, Mr. Tse had taken up a wide range of duties at professional and senior managerial levels. He was appointed as a Deputy Director of Environmental Protection in 2013 and subsequently as the Under Secretary for the Environment in August 2017.

Mr. Tse possesses a broad spectrum of experience in various areas of environmental protection, including law enforcement, computer modelling, environmental impact assessment and cross-boundary cooperation with the Mainland. During his tenure as the Under Secretary for the Environment, he helped spearhead the formulation of policies on air quality, waste management, climate actions and conservation.

Mr. Tse joined the former Environmental Protection Agency in 1985 which was subsequently reorganised in 1986 to become the current Environmental Protection Department (EPD). Throughout the service with EPD, Mr. Tse had taken up a wide range of duties at professional and senior managerial levels. He was appointed as a Deputy Director of Environmental Protection in 2013 and subsequently as the Under Secretary for the Environment in August 2017.

Mr. Tse possesses a broad spectrum of experience in various areas of environmental protection, including law enforcement, computer modelling, environmental impact assessment and cross-boundary cooperation with the Mainland. During his tenure as the Under Secretary for the Environment, he helped spearhead the formulation of policies on air quality, waste management, climate actions and conservation.

Mr. Tse joined the former Environmental Protection Agency in 1985 which was subsequently reorganised in 1986 to become the current Environmental Protection Department (EPD). Throughout the service with EPD, Mr. Tse had taken up a wide range of duties at professional and senior managerial levels. He was appointed as a Deputy Director of Environmental Protection in 2013 and subsequently as the Under Secretary for the Environment in August 2017.

Mr. Tse possesses a broad spectrum of experience in various areas of environmental protection, including law enforcement, computer modelling, environmental impact assessment and cross-boundary cooperation with the Mainland. During his tenure as the Under Secretary for the Environment, he helped spearhead the formulation of policies on air quality, waste management, climate actions and conservation.

Countryside Conservation in Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark

As an official programme under UNESCO, the focuses of UNESCO Global Geoparks include conservation (of geological, ecological and cultural heritage), education as well as sustainable development of the local communities by means of sustainable tourism.

In Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, major geological and ecological sites are protected as country parks or marine parks. Beyond the protected area system, enhancement of nature conservation is conducted through management agreements. The “Same Roots, Same Origins” project which started in 2017 was an example of cultural conservation. It involves conducting oral history interviews of villagers of geopark communities (including those migrated overseas), and adapting the materials for “story rooms”, publications and tour routes. In addition to promoting and conserving the heritage of these local communities, the stories are also useful resources for education and green tourism. The intriguing stories on the interconnection of the natural and cultural heritage are also important elements of village revitalisation, e.g. the Fung Shui Wood at Lai Chi Wo, the revitalised paddy fields at Lai Chi Wo, and the Duck’s Eye sea arch on Ap Chau. On the other hand, the local communities are actively involved in these geopark initiatives, from the co-management of the story rooms, to the design of tour routes, as well as sharing of experience among the villages.

Over the years, Hong Kong Geopark provides a platform for communication and collaborations. The Geopark status and branding also facilitates infrastructure enhancement and sustainable tourism which revitalise near-abandoned villages.

Countryside Conservation in Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark

As an official programme under UNESCO, the focuses of UNESCO Global Geoparks include conservation (of geological, ecological and cultural heritage), education as well as sustainable development of the local communities by means of sustainable tourism.

In Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, major geological and ecological sites are protected as country parks or marine parks. Beyond the protected area system, enhancement of nature conservation is conducted through management agreements. The “Same Roots, Same Origins” project which started in 2017 was an example of cultural conservation. It involves conducting oral history interviews of villagers of geopark communities (including those migrated overseas), and adapting the materials for “story rooms”, publications and tour routes. In addition to promoting and conserving the heritage of these local communities, the stories are also useful resources for education and green tourism. The intriguing stories on the interconnection of the natural and cultural heritage are also important elements of village revitalisation, e.g. the Fung Shui Wood at Lai Chi Wo, the revitalised paddy fields at Lai Chi Wo, and the Duck’s Eye sea arch on Ap Chau. On the other hand, the local communities are actively involved in these geopark initiatives, from the co-management of the story rooms, to the design of tour routes, as well as sharing of experience among the villages.

Over the years, Hong Kong Geopark provides a platform for communication and collaborations. The Geopark status and branding also facilitates infrastructure enhancement and sustainable tourism which revitalise near-abandoned villages.

Countryside Conservation in Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark

As an official programme under UNESCO, the focuses of UNESCO Global Geoparks include conservation (of geological, ecological and cultural heritage), education as well as sustainable development of the local communities by means of sustainable tourism.

In Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, major geological and ecological sites are protected as country parks or marine parks. Beyond the protected area system, enhancement of nature conservation is conducted through management agreements. The “Same Roots, Same Origins” project which started in 2017 was an example of cultural conservation. It involves conducting oral history interviews of villagers of geopark communities (including those migrated overseas), and adapting the materials for “story rooms”, publications and tour routes. In addition to promoting and conserving the heritage of these local communities, the stories are also useful resources for education and green tourism. The intriguing stories on the interconnection of the natural and cultural heritage are also important elements of village revitalisation, e.g. the Fung Shui Wood at Lai Chi Wo, the revitalised paddy fields at Lai Chi Wo, and the Duck’s Eye sea arch on Ap Chau. On the other hand, the local communities are actively involved in these geopark initiatives, from the co-management of the story rooms, to the design of tour routes, as well as sharing of experience among the villages.

Over the years, Hong Kong Geopark provides a platform for communication and collaborations. The Geopark status and branding also facilitates infrastructure enhancement and sustainable tourism which revitalise near-abandoned villages.

From Rural Revitalisation to Sustainable Communities

Goal 17 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) calls for partnerships in realising a common and sustainable future for all. Like in many big cities in Asia where land is a scare resource, village development and conservation in Hong Kong have conventionally been seen as conflicting agendas. The case of rural revitalisation at Lai Chi Wo and the nearby villages is recognised as an alternative sustainable development path with an inclusive and integrative orientation. It adopts a collaborative approach and adheres to the principles of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in its strategies which range from agricultural rehabilitation and food system development to start-up incubation, cultural reinvention, and biodiversity monitoring. The UNESCO award winning revitalisation model demonstrates the importance and need of empowering village communities and the civil society for sustainability impact.

From Rural Revitalisation to Sustainable Communities

Goal 17 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) calls for partnerships in realising a common and sustainable future for all. Like in many big cities in Asia where land is a scare resource, village development and conservation in Hong Kong have conventionally been seen as conflicting agendas. The case of rural revitalisation at Lai Chi Wo and the nearby villages is recognised as an alternative sustainable development path with an inclusive and integrative orientation. It adopts a collaborative approach and adheres to the principles of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in its strategies which range from agricultural rehabilitation and food system development to start-up incubation, cultural reinvention, and biodiversity monitoring. The UNESCO award winning revitalisation model demonstrates the importance and need of empowering village communities and the civil society for sustainability impact.

From Rural Revitalisation to Sustainable Communities

Goal 17 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) calls for partnerships in realising a common and sustainable future for all. Like in many big cities in Asia where land is a scare resource, village development and conservation in Hong Kong have conventionally been seen as conflicting agendas. The case of rural revitalisation at Lai Chi Wo and the nearby villages is recognised as an alternative sustainable development path with an inclusive and integrative orientation. It adopts a collaborative approach and adheres to the principles of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in its strategies which range from agricultural rehabilitation and food system development to start-up incubation, cultural reinvention, and biodiversity monitoring. The UNESCO award winning revitalisation model demonstrates the importance and need of empowering village communities and the civil society for sustainability impact.

A community initiative turned a pilot project on government's New Nature Conservation policy. Developed in 2005, the Fung Yuen Butterfly Reserve successfully recorded over 90% of Hong Kong's 240 butterfly species. Enhancement in ecological value and Biodiversity, closely knitted community involvement, training and education, volunteer capacity building, are highlights of this project.

In 2012, a butterfly from Japan started our brand new scientific research and an International cooperation between Hong Kong, Mainland, Taiwan, Japan and Macau. This amazing journey of butterfly migration research is ongoing as a citizen scientist project.

Revitalisation of remote countryside requires a multi-thong approach, including government and local support, transportation, guesthouse and catering facilities. The Lai Chi Wo Hakka Life Experience Village is a pioneering project of collaboration between Hong Kong Countryside Foundation and with villagers, with licensing facilitated by the Countryside Conservation Office in turning dilapidated village houses into decent guesthouses. providing accommodation for tourists as well as a base for experiencing village life and conservation activities. Results may set a Butterfly Effect on Countryside Conservation.

A community initiative turned a pilot project on government's New Nature Conservation policy. Developed in 2005, the Fung Yuen Butterfly Reserve successfully recorded over 90% of Hong Kong's 240 butterfly species. Enhancement in ecological value and Biodiversity, closely knitted community involvement, training and education, volunteer capacity building, are highlights of this project.

In 2012, a butterfly from Japan started our brand new scientific research and an International cooperation between Hong Kong, Mainland, Taiwan, Japan and Macau. This amazing journey of butterfly migration research is ongoing as a citizen scientist project.

Revitalisation of remote countryside requires a multi-thong approach, including government and local support, transportation, guesthouse and catering facilities. The Lai Chi Wo Hakka Life Experience Village is a pioneering project of collaboration between Hong Kong Countryside Foundation and with villagers, with licensing facilitated by the Countryside Conservation Office in turning dilapidated village houses into decent guesthouses. providing accommodation for tourists as well as a base for experiencing village life and conservation activities. Results may set a Butterfly Effect on Countryside Conservation.

A community initiative turned a pilot project on government's New Nature Conservation policy. Developed in 2005, the Fung Yuen Butterfly Reserve successfully recorded over 90% of Hong Kong's 240 butterfly species. Enhancement in ecological value and Biodiversity, closely knitted community involvement, training and education, volunteer capacity building, are highlights of this project.

In 2012, a butterfly from Japan started our brand new scientific research and an International cooperation between Hong Kong, Mainland, Taiwan, Japan and Macau. This amazing journey of butterfly migration research is ongoing as a citizen scientist project.

Revitalisation of remote countryside requires a multi-thong approach, including government and local support, transportation, guesthouse and catering facilities. The Lai Chi Wo Hakka Life Experience Village is a pioneering project of collaboration between Hong Kong Countryside Foundation and with villagers, with licensing facilitated by the Countryside Conservation Office in turning dilapidated village houses into decent guesthouses. providing accommodation for tourists as well as a base for experiencing village life and conservation activities. Results may set a Butterfly Effect on Countryside Conservation.

Dr. KURODA Nobu is a specialist of cultural landscape. She holds a PhD in agriculture from the University of Tokyo and is a professor at University of Tsukuba since 2015.

Under the Kuroda Laboratory in the Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, her research on cultural landscape combines the works of nature and human kind from perspectives of history, management and community participation. She has extensive knowledge in Shirakawa-go, Gokayama and Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine.

Dr. KURODA Nobu is a specialist of cultural landscape. She holds a PhD in agriculture from the University of Tokyo and is a professor at University of Tsukuba since 2015.

Under the Kuroda Laboratory in the Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, her research on cultural landscape combines the works of nature and human kind from perspectives of history, management and community participation. She has extensive knowledge in Shirakawa-go, Gokayama and Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine.

Dr. KURODA Nobu is a specialist of cultural landscape. She holds a PhD in agriculture from the University of Tokyo and is a professor at University of Tsukuba since 2015.

Under the Kuroda Laboratory in the Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, her research on cultural landscape combines the works of nature and human kind from perspectives of history, management and community participation. She has extensive knowledge in Shirakawa-go, Gokayama and Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine.

The presentation is about how Guangzhou AI Rice Ecological Agriculture Technology Co., Ltd started its business from a customized farm of 300 Mu to a professional agricultural company which manages over 100,000 Mu of farmland with rice standardization, digitalization, branding and industrialization in mainland China.　(Remarks: 1 mu is equal to 666.67 square meter)

The presentation is in three parts: 1. About the company, its development intention and goals. 2. AI RICE’s industrial development model, the practical experience of agricultural standardization, digitization, branding and industrialization and case study of different projects in mainland China. 3. Sharing on the Government-Enterprise-Village Cooperation, extending the initiatives to different parts of the country. How it acheives a win-win situation for enterprises, government and local villagers.

The presentation is about how Guangzhou AI Rice Ecological Agriculture Technology Co., Ltd started its business from a customized farm of 300 Mu to a professional agricultural company which manages over 100,000 Mu of farmland with rice standardization, digitalization, branding and industrialization in mainland China.　(Remarks: 1 mu is equal to 666.67 square meter)

The presentation is in three parts: 1. About the company, its development intention and goals. 2. AI RICE’s industrial development model, the practical experience of agricultural standardization, digitization, branding and industrialization and case study of different projects in mainland China. 3. Sharing on the Government-Enterprise-Village Cooperation, extending the initiatives to different parts of the country. How it acheives a win-win situation for enterprises, government and local villagers.

The presentation is about how Guangzhou AI Rice Ecological Agriculture Technology Co., Ltd started its business from a customized farm of 300 Mu to a professional agricultural company which manages over 100,000 Mu of farmland with rice standardization, digitalization, branding and industrialization in mainland China.　(Remarks: 1 mu is equal to 666.67 square meter)

The presentation is in three parts: 1. About the company, its development intention and goals. 2. AI RICE’s industrial development model, the practical experience of agricultural standardization, digitization, branding and industrialization and case study of different projects in mainland China. 3. Sharing on the Government-Enterprise-Village Cooperation, extending the initiatives to different parts of the country. How it acheives a win-win situation for enterprises, government and local villagers.

Drawing on a renewed understanding of the countryside, this project aims to explore a sustainable and inclusive approach to countryside revitalization by rediscovering its place-based socio-cultural assets. Inspired by the ‘Yeuk (alliance)’ concept, traditionally a rural governing system and social norm emphasizing mutual help and reciprocity in ancient China, we propose to build a modern ‘Yeuk’ in Hong Kong’s Hakka villages to rejuvenate the village alliance and address contemporary challenges. To operationalize this idea, we propose a series of revitalization programs and action plans in Yan Chau Tong (YCT). A participatory planning approach was employed to engage diversified stakeholders and incorporate various activities including focus groups, public forum, tourism festival, mobile apps, interactive website, and academic symposium. The ultimate goals are five-fold: 1) developing an exemplary model of modern ‘Yeuk’ governed by a regional coordination hub in YCT; 2) drawing on an agroecosystem approach to showcase a world-class agrarian landscape; 3) redefining YCT by developing a village circular economy with strong reciprocal relations and supported by indigenous entrepreneurs; 4) developing multi-generational living communities and practising traditional and modern village lifestyles; and 5) rejuvenating the unique Hakka cultural inheritance defined by distinct and vibrant village cultures and empowered by new technologies.

Drawing on a renewed understanding of the countryside, this project aims to explore a sustainable and inclusive approach to countryside revitalization by rediscovering its place-based socio-cultural assets. Inspired by the ‘Yeuk (alliance)’ concept, traditionally a rural governing system and social norm emphasizing mutual help and reciprocity in ancient China, we propose to build a modern ‘Yeuk’ in Hong Kong’s Hakka villages to rejuvenate the village alliance and address contemporary challenges. To operationalize this idea, we propose a series of revitalization programs and action plans in Yan Chau Tong (YCT). A participatory planning approach was employed to engage diversified stakeholders and incorporate various activities including focus groups, public forum, tourism festival, mobile apps, interactive website, and academic symposium. The ultimate goals are five-fold: 1) developing an exemplary model of modern ‘Yeuk’ governed by a regional coordination hub in YCT; 2) drawing on an agroecosystem approach to showcase a world-class agrarian landscape; 3) redefining YCT by developing a village circular economy with strong reciprocal relations and supported by indigenous entrepreneurs; 4) developing multi-generational living communities and practising traditional and modern village lifestyles; and 5) rejuvenating the unique Hakka cultural inheritance defined by distinct and vibrant village cultures and empowered by new technologies.

Drawing on a renewed understanding of the countryside, this project aims to explore a sustainable and inclusive approach to countryside revitalization by rediscovering its place-based socio-cultural assets. Inspired by the ‘Yeuk (alliance)’ concept, traditionally a rural governing system and social norm emphasizing mutual help and reciprocity in ancient China, we propose to build a modern ‘Yeuk’ in Hong Kong’s Hakka villages to rejuvenate the village alliance and address contemporary challenges. To operationalize this idea, we propose a series of revitalization programs and action plans in Yan Chau Tong (YCT). A participatory planning approach was employed to engage diversified stakeholders and incorporate various activities including focus groups, public forum, tourism festival, mobile apps, interactive website, and academic symposium. The ultimate goals are five-fold: 1) developing an exemplary model of modern ‘Yeuk’ governed by a regional coordination hub in YCT; 2) drawing on an agroecosystem approach to showcase a world-class agrarian landscape; 3) redefining YCT by developing a village circular economy with strong reciprocal relations and supported by indigenous entrepreneurs; 4) developing multi-generational living communities and practising traditional and modern village lifestyles; and 5) rejuvenating the unique Hakka cultural inheritance defined by distinct and vibrant village cultures and empowered by new technologies.

Adopting Hong Kong’s KukPo Village as an example, with experiences acuminated from village re-habitation in Zhejiang, the report intend to explore the dual-role of architect as both a designer and a researcher, as well as the significance of social practice for architecture with its environment.

Through launching a series of exhibition, installation and forums in the village school, KukPo Vision integrate research with design, bringing together architecture with landscape and community. By mapping the dynamics of landscape including the mangrove wetland, as well as the typological transformation of Hakka’s architecture and settlement form, as well as
interactions with villages for building up consensus, the project gradually developed an acupuncture planning strategy for KukPo, including the revitalisation of school annex, the
ruin-garden of LoWai, establishing a bottom-up model of design practice from points to network, for the countryside conservation of Hong Kong.

Adopting Hong Kong’s KukPo Village as an example, with experiences acuminated from village re-habitation in Zhejiang, the report intend to explore the dual-role of architect as both a designer and a researcher, as well as the significance of social practice for architecture with its environment.

Through launching a series of exhibition, installation and forums in the village school, KukPo Vision integrate research with design, bringing together architecture with landscape and community. By mapping the dynamics of landscape including the mangrove wetland, as well as the typological transformation of Hakka’s architecture and settlement form, as well as
interactions with villages for building up consensus, the project gradually developed an acupuncture planning strategy for KukPo, including the revitalisation of school annex, the
ruin-garden of LoWai, establishing a bottom-up model of design practice from points to network, for the countryside conservation of Hong Kong.

Adopting Hong Kong’s KukPo Village as an example, with experiences acuminated from village re-habitation in Zhejiang, the report intend to explore the dual-role of architect as both a designer and a researcher, as well as the significance of social practice for architecture with its environment.

Through launching a series of exhibition, installation and forums in the village school, KukPo Vision integrate research with design, bringing together architecture with landscape and community. By mapping the dynamics of landscape including the mangrove wetland, as well as the typological transformation of Hakka’s architecture and settlement form, as well as
interactions with villages for building up consensus, the project gradually developed an acupuncture planning strategy for KukPo, including the revitalisation of school annex, the
ruin-garden of LoWai, establishing a bottom-up model of design practice from points to network, for the countryside conservation of Hong Kong.

Over the past five years my research lab, Condition_Lab based within the School of Architecture at CUHK, has been working in the Dong minority region of Hunan. Like most rural communities in China, villages face critical challenges related to the unprecedented pace of change that is affecting their environment. Their rich heritage, developed over centuries, is quickly bypassed to make way for new materials and building typologies that have little connection with the local culture.

Living Heritage, the approach the lab has coined to study and revitalize these villages, focuses on keeping traditional customs alive through direct engagement. By working together with local craftspeople, we aim to translate traditional Dong architecture into a contemporary design language without mutating its original DNA. The Pingtao Children’s’ library, that recently won the World Interior of the year at WAF 2022 in Lisbon, is an example of how the Living Heritage approach can be put into practice.

The presentation will focus on the steps, approach and engagement with the community that made this project possible. Architecture is a tool to help improve people’s lives.

Over the past five years my research lab, Condition_Lab based within the School of Architecture at CUHK, has been working in the Dong minority region of Hunan. Like most rural communities in China, villages face critical challenges related to the unprecedented pace of change that is affecting their environment. Their rich heritage, developed over centuries, is quickly bypassed to make way for new materials and building typologies that have little connection with the local culture.

Living Heritage, the approach the lab has coined to study and revitalize these villages, focuses on keeping traditional customs alive through direct engagement. By working together with local craftspeople, we aim to translate traditional Dong architecture into a contemporary design language without mutating its original DNA. The Pingtao Children’s’ library, that recently won the World Interior of the year at WAF 2022 in Lisbon, is an example of how the Living Heritage approach can be put into practice.

The presentation will focus on the steps, approach and engagement with the community that made this project possible. Architecture is a tool to help improve people’s lives.

Over the past five years my research lab, Condition_Lab based within the School of Architecture at CUHK, has been working in the Dong minority region of Hunan. Like most rural communities in China, villages face critical challenges related to the unprecedented pace of change that is affecting their environment. Their rich heritage, developed over centuries, is quickly bypassed to make way for new materials and building typologies that have little connection with the local culture.

Living Heritage, the approach the lab has coined to study and revitalize these villages, focuses on keeping traditional customs alive through direct engagement. By working together with local craftspeople, we aim to translate traditional Dong architecture into a contemporary design language without mutating its original DNA. The Pingtao Children’s’ library, that recently won the World Interior of the year at WAF 2022 in Lisbon, is an example of how the Living Heritage approach can be put into practice.

The presentation will focus on the steps, approach and engagement with the community that made this project possible. Architecture is a tool to help improve people’s lives.

In recent years, Hong Kong has seen a trend of large-scale festivals involving land-based art interventions in the countryside. Pioneering festivals in neighbouring Asian regions such as the Art Field Festivals in Japan laid the groundwork for similar projects. They have successfully transformed the land a stage, particularly those abandoned villages, where art bridges the humanity, the community, and the collaborative ecology of nature, rendering cultural manifestation organic. The Art Promotion Office has long been committed to promoting various forms of creativity in the community, walking into villages and islands, connecting nature to the hustle and bustle of the city, uncovering the hidden gems in the city with an aim to make art a friendly neighbour that unites the community. Interdisciplinary art initiations not only brought opportunities for environmental conservation, village revitalization and tourism, but also shed light on the key challenges of the future development of land-based art in Hong Kong in consideration of sustainably maintaining art’s interest in the surroundings, as well as a harmonious consensus with local residents and other stakeholders.

In recent years, Hong Kong has seen a trend of large-scale festivals involving land-based art interventions in the countryside. Pioneering festivals in neighbouring Asian regions such as the Art Field Festivals in Japan laid the groundwork for similar projects. They have successfully transformed the land a stage, particularly those abandoned villages, where art bridges the humanity, the community, and the collaborative ecology of nature, rendering cultural manifestation organic. The Art Promotion Office has long been committed to promoting various forms of creativity in the community, walking into villages and islands, connecting nature to the hustle and bustle of the city, uncovering the hidden gems in the city with an aim to make art a friendly neighbour that unites the community. Interdisciplinary art initiations not only brought opportunities for environmental conservation, village revitalization and tourism, but also shed light on the key challenges of the future development of land-based art in Hong Kong in consideration of sustainably maintaining art’s interest in the surroundings, as well as a harmonious consensus with local residents and other stakeholders.

In recent years, Hong Kong has seen a trend of large-scale festivals involving land-based art interventions in the countryside. Pioneering festivals in neighbouring Asian regions such as the Art Field Festivals in Japan laid the groundwork for similar projects. They have successfully transformed the land a stage, particularly those abandoned villages, where art bridges the humanity, the community, and the collaborative ecology of nature, rendering cultural manifestation organic. The Art Promotion Office has long been committed to promoting various forms of creativity in the community, walking into villages and islands, connecting nature to the hustle and bustle of the city, uncovering the hidden gems in the city with an aim to make art a friendly neighbour that unites the community. Interdisciplinary art initiations not only brought opportunities for environmental conservation, village revitalization and tourism, but also shed light on the key challenges of the future development of land-based art in Hong Kong in consideration of sustainably maintaining art’s interest in the surroundings, as well as a harmonious consensus with local residents and other stakeholders.

Rural Common is a creative project sponsored by the Countryside Conservation Funding Scheme and co-created by Make A Difference Institute and The Common Map.   As an online platform, Rural Common has 3 unique characteristics.  First, it is curated by cross-sector young people, and uses their lens and viewpoint to understand our countryside’s past and reflect on the future.  Secondly, it is non-academic but uses ethnographic methods in anthropology for fieldwork, starting with observations and empathy, to tell rural stories and present them with touching visuals.  Thirdly, this cross-village platform will connect villagers and visitors and provide up-to-date information to co-create our countryside’s sustainable development.  It also hopes to connect all those passionate about countryside revitalization via this platform.

Rural Common is a creative project sponsored by the Countryside Conservation Funding Scheme and co-created by Make A Difference Institute and The Common Map.   As an online platform, Rural Common has 3 unique characteristics.  First, it is curated by cross-sector young people, and uses their lens and viewpoint to understand our countryside’s past and reflect on the future.  Secondly, it is non-academic but uses ethnographic methods in anthropology for fieldwork, starting with observations and empathy, to tell rural stories and present them with touching visuals.  Thirdly, this cross-village platform will connect villagers and visitors and provide up-to-date information to co-create our countryside’s sustainable development.  It also hopes to connect all those passionate about countryside revitalization via this platform.

Rural Common is a creative project sponsored by the Countryside Conservation Funding Scheme and co-created by Make A Difference Institute and The Common Map.   As an online platform, Rural Common has 3 unique characteristics.  First, it is curated by cross-sector young people, and uses their lens and viewpoint to understand our countryside’s past and reflect on the future.  Secondly, it is non-academic but uses ethnographic methods in anthropology for fieldwork, starting with observations and empathy, to tell rural stories and present them with touching visuals.  Thirdly, this cross-village platform will connect villagers and visitors and provide up-to-date information to co-create our countryside’s sustainable development.  It also hopes to connect all those passionate about countryside revitalization via this platform.

This presentation aims to showcase the benefits of cultural tourism as a tool for unlocking possibilities in countryside revitalisation. It will examine how we can leverage natural ecology, cultural heritage as well human stories uniquely attached to the countryside to create immersive and engaging experiences. To achieve this, a new approach to tourism is needed, one that emphasizes co-creation and empowering local communities while being mindful of the impact of tourism on the environment and local well-being. Only through a mutually beneficial relationship can sustainable tourism practices be established.

In particular, we will share the experience of Walk in Hong Kong, including its cultural mission to promote sustainable tourism, its role in the recent movie (in which Mui Tsz Lam, Lai Chi Wo and Kop Tong are featured) as well as its proposed pilot project on village tours.

This presentation aims to showcase the benefits of cultural tourism as a tool for unlocking possibilities in countryside revitalisation. It will examine how we can leverage natural ecology, cultural heritage as well human stories uniquely attached to the countryside to create immersive and engaging experiences. To achieve this, a new approach to tourism is needed, one that emphasizes co-creation and empowering local communities while being mindful of the impact of tourism on the environment and local well-being. Only through a mutually beneficial relationship can sustainable tourism practices be established.

In particular, we will share the experience of Walk in Hong Kong, including its cultural mission to promote sustainable tourism, its role in the recent movie (in which Mui Tsz Lam, Lai Chi Wo and Kop Tong are featured) as well as its proposed pilot project on village tours.

This presentation aims to showcase the benefits of cultural tourism as a tool for unlocking possibilities in countryside revitalisation. It will examine how we can leverage natural ecology, cultural heritage as well human stories uniquely attached to the countryside to create immersive and engaging experiences. To achieve this, a new approach to tourism is needed, one that emphasizes co-creation and empowering local communities while being mindful of the impact of tourism on the environment and local well-being. Only through a mutually beneficial relationship can sustainable tourism practices be established.

In particular, we will share the experience of Walk in Hong Kong, including its cultural mission to promote sustainable tourism, its role in the recent movie (in which Mui Tsz Lam, Lai Chi Wo and Kop Tong are featured) as well as its proposed pilot project on village tours.

The Countryside Conservation Office (CCO) under the Environment and Ecology Bureau has been established for almost 5 years, coordinating countryside conservation efforts for urban-rural symbiosis in a sustainable way.

The tripartite collaboration amongst the Government, Community, and Local Villagers is a key to success in our conservation work, with joint efforts and wisdom contributed interactively in different projects. Having accumulated experience and insights through these projects, it comes to a point we are more certain of leading some major steps for all of us to march forward, in order to achieve the goal in countryside conservation.

In this talk, the speaker will highlight 3 major tasks ahead, and need your wisdom and help to make them better:

• Proactive Conservation Plan – blueprints on target countryside areas for bringing conservation efforts together in a strategic and comprehensive way;
•  
• Laymen’s Licensing Guide for Food and Guesthouse Business – optimizing licensing requirements and streamlining procedures taking into account the special nature and limitation of remote countryside, to bring in sustainable economy and vibrancy;
•  
• Advancing Net Zero (ANZ) – “carbon footprint reduction” is not just a motto, but can be achieved in our countryside. This will be demonstrated through the Lai Chi Wo Eco-Smart Public Toilet, which will be Hong Kong’s the first building achieving the world standard of “Advancing Net Zero”, for completion soon.

The Countryside Conservation Office (CCO) under the Environment and Ecology Bureau has been established for almost 5 years, coordinating countryside conservation efforts for urban-rural symbiosis in a sustainable way.

The tripartite collaboration amongst the Government, Community, and Local Villagers is a key to success in our conservation work, with joint efforts and wisdom contributed interactively in different projects. Having accumulated experience and insights through these projects, it comes to a point we are more certain of leading some major steps for all of us to march forward, in order to achieve the goal in countryside conservation.

In this talk, the speaker will highlight 3 major tasks ahead, and need your wisdom and help to make them better:

• Proactive Conservation Plan – blueprints on target countryside areas for bringing conservation efforts together in a strategic and comprehensive way;
•  
• Laymen’s Licensing Guide for Food and Guesthouse Business – optimizing licensing requirements and streamlining procedures taking into account the special nature and limitation of remote countryside, to bring in sustainable economy and vibrancy;
•  
• Advancing Net Zero (ANZ) – “carbon footprint reduction” is not just a motto, but can be achieved in our countryside. This will be demonstrated through the Lai Chi Wo Eco-Smart Public Toilet, which will be Hong Kong’s the first building achieving the world standard of “Advancing Net Zero”, for completion soon.

The Countryside Conservation Office (CCO) under the Environment and Ecology Bureau has been established for almost 5 years, coordinating countryside conservation efforts for urban-rural symbiosis in a sustainable way.

The tripartite collaboration amongst the Government, Community, and Local Villagers is a key to success in our conservation work, with joint efforts and wisdom contributed interactively in different projects. Having accumulated experience and insights through these projects, it comes to a point we are more certain of leading some major steps for all of us to march forward, in order to achieve the goal in countryside conservation.

In this talk, the speaker will highlight 3 major tasks ahead, and need your wisdom and help to make them better:

• Proactive Conservation Plan – blueprints on target countryside areas for bringing conservation efforts together in a strategic and comprehensive way;
•  
• Laymen’s Licensing Guide for Food and Guesthouse Business – optimizing licensing requirements and streamlining procedures taking into account the special nature and limitation of remote countryside, to bring in sustainable economy and vibrancy;
•  
• Advancing Net Zero (ANZ) – “carbon footprint reduction” is not just a motto, but can be achieved in our countryside. This will be demonstrated through the Lai Chi Wo Eco-Smart Public Toilet, which will be Hong Kong’s the first building achieving the world standard of “Advancing Net Zero”, for completion soon.

Professor LAM Kin Che is an academic in environmental policy and assessment, a long-time member of Hong Kong SAR Government advisory committees on environmental matters, a free-lance consultant of The World Bank and an ardent citizen concerned with conservation of the countryside and its natural and cultural heritage. Now an Adjunct Professor of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, he was formerly Chairman of the Department of Geography and Resource Management and Director of the Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability of the University. He has served in many government advisory bodies related to the environment, including being Chairperson of the Advisory Council on the Environment and Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and Action Plan Steering Committee; and member of the Sustainable Development Council and Land Supply Task Force. He is currently member of the Advisory Council on Countryside Conservation and Chair of its Vetting Sub-committee.

Professor Lam was bestowed the Silver Bauhinia Star from the Hong Kong SAR Government (2006) and the Regional Award from the International Association of Impact Assessment (2016) for contributions to environmental protection and assessment.

Professor LAM Kin Che is an academic in environmental policy and assessment, a long-time member of Hong Kong SAR Government advisory committees on environmental matters, a free-lance consultant of The World Bank and an ardent citizen concerned with conservation of the countryside and its natural and cultural heritage. Now an Adjunct Professor of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, he was formerly Chairman of the Department of Geography and Resource Management and Director of the Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability of the University. He has served in many government advisory bodies related to the environment, including being Chairperson of the Advisory Council on the Environment and Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and Action Plan Steering Committee; and member of the Sustainable Development Council and Land Supply Task Force. He is currently member of the Advisory Council on Countryside Conservation and Chair of its Vetting Sub-committee.

Professor Lam was bestowed the Silver Bauhinia Star from the Hong Kong SAR Government (2006) and the Regional Award from the International Association of Impact Assessment (2016) for contributions to environmental protection and assessment.

Professor LAM Kin Che is an academic in environmental policy and assessment, a long-time member of Hong Kong SAR Government advisory committees on environmental matters, a free-lance consultant of The World Bank and an ardent citizen concerned with conservation of the countryside and its natural and cultural heritage. Now an Adjunct Professor of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, he was formerly Chairman of the Department of Geography and Resource Management and Director of the Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability of the University. He has served in many government advisory bodies related to the environment, including being Chairperson of the Advisory Council on the Environment and Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and Action Plan Steering Committee; and member of the Sustainable Development Council and Land Supply Task Force. He is currently member of the Advisory Council on Countryside Conservation and Chair of its Vetting Sub-committee.

Professor Lam was bestowed the Silver Bauhinia Star from the Hong Kong SAR Government (2006) and the Regional Award from the International Association of Impact Assessment (2016) for contributions to environmental protection and assessment.

Ms. Anna Yau has been working for over a decade in heritage Revitalisation, management and education. Her cultural heritage management experience includes built heritage conservation, safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage, heritage entrepreneurship, as well as teaching and training in tertiary education institutes in the Asia Pacific region. Anna was a key team member of several heritage revitalization projects in Hong Kong including two UNESCO Asia-Pacific Cultural Heritage Conservation Awarding projects – Mei Ho House and Lai Chi Wo Cultural Landscape and was invited as a Jury member of the same award in 2021 & 2022.

She is an accredited heritage conservationist in the International Committee of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), Hong Kong Institute of Architectural Conservationists (HKICON) as well as a Project Management Professional of Project Management Institute (PMI), a member of the Museum Advisory Committee and History sub-committee of HKSAR Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, and the first member of UNESCO Convention for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage Global Network Facilitator. Anna is currently working as an independent heritage specialist for the management and sustainable development of urban and countryside tangible and intangible cultural heritage in Asia-Pacific.

Ms. Anna Yau has been working for over a decade in heritage Revitalisation, management and education. Her cultural heritage management experience includes built heritage conservation, safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage, heritage entrepreneurship, as well as teaching and training in tertiary education institutes in the Asia Pacific region. Anna was a key team member of several heritage revitalization projects in Hong Kong including two UNESCO Asia-Pacific Cultural Heritage Conservation Awarding projects – Mei Ho House and Lai Chi Wo Cultural Landscape and was invited as a Jury member of the same award in 2021 & 2022.

She is an accredited heritage conservationist in the International Committee of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), Hong Kong Institute of Architectural Conservationists (HKICON) as well as a Project Management Professional of Project Management Institute (PMI), a member of the Museum Advisory Committee and History sub-committee of HKSAR Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, and the first member of UNESCO Convention for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage Global Network Facilitator. Anna is currently working as an independent heritage specialist for the management and sustainable development of urban and countryside tangible and intangible cultural heritage in Asia-Pacific.

Ms. Anna Yau has been working for over a decade in heritage Revitalisation, management and education. Her cultural heritage management experience includes built heritage conservation, safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage, heritage entrepreneurship, as well as teaching and training in tertiary education institutes in the Asia Pacific region. Anna was a key team member of several heritage revitalization projects in Hong Kong including two UNESCO Asia-Pacific Cultural Heritage Conservation Awarding projects – Mei Ho House and Lai Chi Wo Cultural Landscape and was invited as a Jury member of the same award in 2021 & 2022.

She is an accredited heritage conservationist in the International Committee of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), Hong Kong Institute of Architectural Conservationists (HKICON) as well as a Project Management Professional of Project Management Institute (PMI), a member of the Museum Advisory Committee and History sub-committee of HKSAR Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, and the first member of UNESCO Convention for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage Global Network Facilitator. Anna is currently working as an independent heritage specialist for the management and sustainable development of urban and countryside tangible and intangible cultural heritage in Asia-Pacific.

Thomas Chung is Associate Professor at the School of Architecture, The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Thomas is a multiple international award-winning architect who graduated from the University of Cambridge. His early projects Value Farm and Floating Fields fused ecological design with socially innovative public space. Thomas’ countryside conservation research is driven by regenerative design and interdisciplinary action-research, forging collaborative partnerships to co-create resilient rural regeneration for well-being.

Thomas leads a multi-disciplinary team with expertise in architecture, anthropology, geography and life sciences, and is consolidating a CUHK research hub focusing on countryside-city regeneration. Recent and ongoing projects include: Project Plum Grove phases I and II: Experimental Restorations in Mui Tsz Lam; “From Valley to Plain” phase I funded by the Countryside Conservation Office; as well as “Regenerating Shui Hau” and “Regenerating the Landscape of Lantau Mountain Camp”, substantial conservation management agreement projects funded by the Lantau Conservation Fund. Looking ahead, Thomas and his team are dedicated to innovating a viable stewardship model towards sustainable countryside futures for all.

Thomas Chung is Associate Professor at the School of Architecture, The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Thomas is a multiple international award-winning architect who graduated from the University of Cambridge. His early projects Value Farm and Floating Fields fused ecological design with socially innovative public space. Thomas’ countryside conservation research is driven by regenerative design and interdisciplinary action-research, forging collaborative partnerships to co-create resilient rural regeneration for well-being.

Thomas leads a multi-disciplinary team with expertise in architecture, anthropology, geography and life sciences, and is consolidating a CUHK research hub focusing on countryside-city regeneration. Recent and ongoing projects include: Project Plum Grove phases I and II: Experimental Restorations in Mui Tsz Lam; “From Valley to Plain” phase I funded by the Countryside Conservation Office; as well as “Regenerating Shui Hau” and “Regenerating the Landscape of Lantau Mountain Camp”, substantial conservation management agreement projects funded by the Lantau Conservation Fund. Looking ahead, Thomas and his team are dedicated to innovating a viable stewardship model towards sustainable countryside futures for all.

Thomas Chung is Associate Professor at the School of Architecture, The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Thomas is a multiple international award-winning architect who graduated from the University of Cambridge. His early projects Value Farm and Floating Fields fused ecological design with socially innovative public space. Thomas’ countryside conservation research is driven by regenerative design and interdisciplinary action-research, forging collaborative partnerships to co-create resilient rural regeneration for well-being.

Thomas leads a multi-disciplinary team with expertise in architecture, anthropology, geography and life sciences, and is consolidating a CUHK research hub focusing on countryside-city regeneration. Recent and ongoing projects include: Project Plum Grove phases I and II: Experimental Restorations in Mui Tsz Lam; “From Valley to Plain” phase I funded by the Countryside Conservation Office; as well as “Regenerating Shui Hau” and “Regenerating the Landscape of Lantau Mountain Camp”, substantial conservation management agreement projects funded by the Lantau Conservation Fund. Looking ahead, Thomas and his team are dedicated to innovating a viable stewardship model towards sustainable countryside futures for all.