75-minute documentary “Enchanting China” premieres today to celebrate 75th anniversary of founding of People’s Republic of China (with photos)

     To mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) and the Environmental Protection Department, in collaboration with the Center for Environmental Education and Communications of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, have produced the documentary series “Enchanting China”. The premiere of the documentary series was held today (September 21) at Shaw Auditorium, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).

     The first series of “Enchanting China” consists of five episodes totalling 75 minutes, namely “Ninety-Nine Bends of the Yellow River”, “Song of the Yangtze”, “From Desert to Forest”, “Embracing Diversity” and “Clean Air Actions”. The first four episodes, together with “Picturesque Bays of Hong Kong”, which is the first episode of the documentary series “Beautiful Hong Kong” produced by the EEB, were screened at today’s premiere. Through showing the country’s achievements and contributions in environmental protection, it aims to instil a strong sense of patriotism in the younger generation and help them understand the country’s progress of the ecological civilisation development in building a beautiful China and the contributions and achievements made by the country and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government in environmental protection and nature conservation. 

     Speaking at the premiere, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, said, “‘Enchanting China’ allows us to experience the extraordinary charm of our nation and witness the country’s major achievements and contributions in environmental protection. On the first National Ecology Day last year, President Xi Jinping emphasised that ‘building an ecological civilisation is of fundamental importance for the sustainable development of the Chinese nation’. ‘Enchanting China’ is a meaningful way to implement the concept of ‘lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets’, and promote the construction of ecological civilisation and environmental protection education.”

     The Convenor of the Working Group on Patriotic Education (WGPE), Ms Starry Lee, who is also a member of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee and the Chairman of the Legislative Council House Committee, also attended the premiere today. She said that “Enchanting China” is a thematic documentary series born out of Hong Kong’s integration into the overall framework of national development, allowing Hong Kong to join the leading force in national environmental governance at a new level to deepen the understanding of the practice of green transformation.

     Other guests at the premiere included Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR Mr Luo Yonggang; the Inspector General of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Mr Ling Jiang; the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan; the Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Samuel Chui; heads of Departments; Consuls-General and representatives from Chambers of Commerce; Legislative Council Members; members from the WGPE, the Advisory Council on the Environment, and the Environment and Conservation Fund Committee; District Council members; chairmen and vice-chairmen of the three committees (the Area Committees, the District Fight Crime Committees and the District Fire Safety Committees); as well as representatives from local professional bodies, higher-education institutions and schools.

     The EEB’s documentary series “Beautiful Hong Kong” also consists of five episodes totalling 75 minutes, showing the progressive environmental improvements in Hong Kong since the return to the motherland.

     Mr Tse said, “The showcase of ‘Picturesque Bays of Hong Kong’ celebrated the achievements made by the HKSAR Government in environmental protection and nature conservation. Looking ahead, the HKSAR will continue to maintain close collaboration with other Greater Bay Area cities to jointly set up ecological security shields with a view to developing a more charming bay area. I encourage everyone in the community to explore our picturesque bays, treasure the natural beauty of Hong Kong and work together to enhance our natural environment.”

     Professor Nancy Ip, President of HKUST, where the premiere took place, said in her welcome remarks, “The movie showcases our motherland’s unwavering commitment to preserving our natural environment and promoting sustainable development. Advancing sustainability requires collaboration and knowledge sharing across different sectors. HKUST strives to foster global sustainable development through scientific research, innovative solutions and international partnerships. We are also pleased to witness the establishment of the World Sustainable Development Institute in collaboration with the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation as part of today’s meaningful celebration. The institute will seek to generate impactful research outcomes and pursue science-based solutions for complex challenges such as climate change and nature conservation.”

     The documentary series “Enchanting China” and “Beautiful Hong Kong” will be screened at the Hong Kong Space Museum and T·PARK from October. It will subsequently be broadcast on RTHK TV 32 and uploaded online for all primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong to download for broadcast.

Ends/Saturday, September 21, 2024
Issued at HKT 18:05

Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202409/21/P2024092000401.htm?fontSize=1

The Kubuqi Desert Youth Green Low-Carbon Trip has come to a successful conclusion: Inheriting the Spirit of Sand Control and Appreciating the Charm of the Desert

26 June 2024, Hong Kong, China

Recently, a well-planned green and low-carbon youth adventure in the Kubuqi Desert has successfully concluded. The activity aimed to deepen Hong Kong youths’ understanding of the desert’s ecological environment through field trips and convey the concept of green and low-carbon environmental protection. Our students ranged in age from 13 to 27 who has left behind unforgettable memories in this mysterious and magnificent trip.

During desert exploration, students visited the Germplasm Bank, where they observed thousands of seeds preserved  by the Elion Group from the past. The germplasm bank not only showcased the tenacious vitality of desert plants, but also revealed the arduous attempts behind finding suitable “knockout plants” for the desert environment. Through this visit, the students deeply understood that the path to desertification control is not achieved overnight, it  requires unremitting efforts and exploration over generations. At the same time, they also gained a deeper understanding of the importance of trial and error in scientific research, and the huge cost that may be involved behind each failure.

After that, they  arrived at the Biodiversity Pavilion, where specimens of animals and plants from various climatic regions were displayed. Through interactions with biodiversity experts, the students learned about the characteristics of animals and plants in different regions, delved into the uniqueness of biodiversity in the desert. This visit has broadened their horizons and deepened their understanding of the nature wonders.

The Sunshine Valley Light-Hydrogen Low-Carbon Industry Base was another crucial destination for the trip. Here, they witnessed the Elion 3D  photovoltaic desert control model. This model combines photovoltaic power generation with desert control, providing sustainable energy solutions for desert areas and opening up new avenues for sand control and prevention.

In the hands-on practice session, every  student managed to plant their own trees in the desert with their own hands. Their action was not only to support for many years of desert control works, but also a practice of green environmental protection  concept, expressing for their reverence and love for nature.

During the Forum on Desert Green and Low-Carbon Action with students from Elion East Primary School, student representatives from both sides delivered speeches, sharing and elaborating their understanding of the importance of desertification control. After the event, gifts were exchanged between the students and a deep friendship was formed.

In addition to gaining in-depth knowledge and concepts about desert governance, the students also got a chance to experience the culture and living customs in Inner Mongolia.

By trekking through the desert, students experienced the hardships and dedication of desertification control personnel. During the hike, they worked together, helping each other, and overcoming difficulties one after another.

Visiting local herdsmen’s home, the students personally felt the profound changes brought by technological advancements to this ancient land. They  learned to make local delicacies, beautiful Mongolian headwear, and sing Mongolian songs, experiencing the diet and lifestyle of the Mongolian people. These activities has deepened the understanding of the beauty of Inner Mongolia among all participants, and  sparked their interest and love for Mongolian culture.

As night fell, all participants joined local Mongolian band to dance around the bonfire. Under the starry sky, they participated in traditional activities such as received Hada and silver bowls of wine through the ceremony of cutting the whole roast lamb. Among the warm and simple Mongolian customs, students felt the warmth and deep friendship of inner Mongolian people. Infront of  the bonfire and stage, everyone gradually opened up, fully showcased their talents and charm.

The Kubuqi Desert Youth Green Low-Carbon Trip  was not only a feast of knowledge among desert control but also a baptism of the soul. Through field trips and exchanges, everyone was able to experience the infinite charm of nature and provided valuable information for future scientific research.  It has successfully  conveyed the concept and responsibility of green and low-carbon environmental protection to the youths.

We thank all participants and sponsors for their support and efforts, and we appreciate everyone’s attention to the entire 2nd Kubuqi Award Competition! We look forward to continuing organize more meaningful adventures and exploration activities in the future, providing more opportunities for the growth and development of the youths!

About the 2nd Kubuqi Award

The 2nd Kubuqi Award consists of the “Speak Sustainability” Secondary School Short Video Contest and the International Desert Sustainable Development Proposal Competition, available for secondary and university students respectively. The competition has received strong support from the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR (LOCPG), the Education Bureau, and InvestHK. It has successfully invited Friends of the Earth (HK), the GBA Economic and Trade Association, and the One Country Two Systems Youth Forum as co-organizers of the event. This year, Hong Kong Cyberport, HSBC, and MTR serve as mentors for the competition’s mentorship program, recruiting entrepreneurs from their start-ups to train the shortlisted university teams.

For more details about the competition, please visit the official website of the second “Kubuqi Award”: https://kubuqiaward.com, or follow the competition’s social media page (Instagram: thekubuqiaward) to stay updated with the latest information.

About the Elion Foundation

Elion Foundation is a public welfare charity organization focusing on environmental protection businesses. The foundation is committed to promoting the development of new technologies and models in the field of ecological governance and environmental protection both domestically and internationally, especially in countries along the “Belt and Road”.