Since its establishment in 2022, the Planning Department (PlanD) Volunteer Team has been devoted to community service by organising a diverse range of volunteer activities in collaboration with various organisations. Colleagues are encouraged to volunteer in their spare time to serve people in need for promoting a caring spirit in society.

This year marks the 35th anniversary of PlanD. On 26 April this year, PlanD Volunteer Team organised “Walk with harmony across generations: Mai Po Eco-Visit” with the Hong Kong Christian Service and The Y.Elites Association. The event was co-ordinated by the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) and sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC). Six volunteers from Home² Youth Hostel also participated and assisted in organising the event. Accompanied by the volunteers, more than 10 ethnic minority families went on a walking tour of the Mai Po Nature Reserve (MPNR), which aimed at encouraging the ethnic minority families to actively integrate themselves into the community, and care for their own physical and mental well-being, while also fostering intercultural understanding and exchange.

It was a sunny day and volunteers from PlanD led more than 20 South Asian parents and their children to visit MPNR. During the tour, only a few waterbirds were spotted as it was not the migration season of birds. Even so, the children were in high spirits and very curious about the characteristics of waterbirds and the bird-watching facilities. They eagerly asked questions about the habits of different waterbird species and how to look for these birds. The eco-tour guide of MPNR helpfully answered the children’s questions, while the volunteers explained in detail the role of urban planning in environmental conservation. The energetic children continued their exploration in the wetland, and they were amazed to see a few buffaloes grazing leisurely. With the encouragement of the volunteers, the children took a closer look at these gentle animals. It was a truly memorable experience for the young participants. When viewing the skyline of Futian across the river from MPNR, there was a striking contrast between the tranquillity of nature and the urban bustle – a vivid reflection of the balance achieved between development and conservation. Through this immersive experience, the participants have been deeply impressed by the connection with nature and have gained a better understanding of the importance of wetland conservation and environmental protection.

Mr Alvin Kan Cheung-heng, Town Planner of PlanD and a member of PlanD Volunteer Team, said that the event was very meaningful and memorable. One of the highlights of the visit was the tour of the gei wai shrimp ponds, where the eco-tour guide of MPNR and volunteers explained the unique aquaculture methods in an engaging way, linking up sustainable practices with wetland conservation and also raising ecological awareness among the participants. Another volunteer Mr Nicol Yu Wai-kin, Town Planner of PlanD, said that the eco-visit was blessed with fine weather and he would like to extend heartfelt thanks to CSB, HKJC and all the volunteers for their meticulous arrangements and concerted efforts, which had made the event a great success. PlanD Volunteer Team will continue to organise and take part in a wider range of community activities, thereby contributing to Hong Kong’s bright future.