Good news from HK Electric:
10 May 2016
Ten years may seem a long time, but it was well-worth the wait as the laurels returned to rest on HK Electric and the Conservancy Association (CA) and their remarkable Green Hong Kong Green" (GHKG) project.
At the Caring Company Expo today (May 10) organised by the Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS), GHKG was named an Outstanding Partnership Project in recognition of both project partners' efforts and contribution made on this environmental education project. Over the past 10 years, GHKG has proven to have met community needs, brought positive impacts to society and be a sustainable project itself.
Since its launch in 2005, the project had developed eight eco-heritage routes on Hong Kong and Lamma islands, with educational panels en-route and more than 200 voluntary eco-leaders trained to conduct monthly eco-tours. Eco-tour maps and a GHKG app and Facebook fan page have also been developed to enhance public awareness of local eco-heritage treasures.
HK Electric last won the same award in 2008 for another of its community programmes -- the "U3A (University of 3rd Age) Network of Hong Kong", an elderly care programme jointly run with the HKCSS.
HK Electric's General Manager (Public Affairs), Ms. Mimi Yeung, said: “As one of the major public utilities in Hong Kong, HK Electric recognises its corporate social responsibility and is committed to conducting the business in an environmentally responsible manner. The GHKG project is aimed at enhancing the sustainable development of Hong Kong and Lamma islands and promoting eco-tourism and environmental awareness." She was happy that GHKG was selected among dozens of shortlisted projects.
CA's Chief Executive Mr. Ken So remarked that the working relationship between the two started at a corporate tree planting project dated back to 1998. "We both had a mutual desire to initiate a signature green project that accommodated community as well as environmental needs. Over the past 10 years, more than 500 eco-tours have been organised with more than 7,500 members of the public participating.”
To better understand the effectiveness of the project, HK Electric engaged an independent consultant earlier on to conduct a social impact assessment. The results showed that among those eco-tour participants interviewed, those who said that they had a good understanding of local eco-heritage resources after joining the tours had doubled. More than 70% said they treasured the nature more and over half pledged to make changes in their habits and lifestyles to better protect the environment. And 75% said they would be recommending the project to others because of its educational value. Valuable suggestions and opinions were collected in the assessment which helped optimise the project to better suit community needs.
To further encourage the public to get away from their busy lifestyle and enjoy the eco-heritage treasures, the GHKG Eco-tour Festival was first held in 2013. The day-long event included eco-heritage tours, a carnival featuring enjoyable and educational games booths, hands-on workshops, talks and performances. The annual festival has become a signature event in the project and has attracted more than 3,000 participants so far. This year, the festival will be held in November to promote conservation and sustainable development.
Other green activities organised under the GHKG project include conservation activities, tree caring, mikania removal and a public appeal on prevention of hill fire during the Ching Ming and Chung Yeung festivals. HK Electric volunteers have also been recruited to participate in these green activities. To learn more about the project, simply download the GHKG app or browse http://www.cahk.org.hk.
In addition to this award, HK Electric has also been voted a "Happy Company" for the second year running by the Promoting Happiness Index Foundation and the Hong Kong Productivity Council. The Company's corporate website has also won the Gold award under the Web Accessibility Recognition Scheme 2016 jointly organised by the Office of Government Chief Information Officer and the Equal Opportunities Commission.
Click for more pictures...
Click for the digital version of Lamma Eco-Tour Map, or Discover the Treasures of our Eight Eco-heritage Routes.
Also under TOURIST INFO in left column on Lamma.com.hk home page, of course.
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File comment: Monthly eco-tours are conducted to enhance public understanding and appreciation of local eco-heritage resources. !Photo-3-wp.jpg [ 113.92 KiB | Viewed 655 times ] |
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File comment: Eco-tour maps and a GHKG App are developed for nature lovers to explore the routes at their own pace. !Photo-5a-wp.jpg [ 191.25 KiB | Viewed 655 times ] |