Experts discuss way forward for afforestation at the first Dongjiang River Source Afforestation and Sustainable Forest Management Forum sponsored by the Jockey Club

10/16/2015

With the objective of encouraging the community to actively participate in afforestation and tackle climate change, as well as to discuss the way forward for afforestation, the Hong Kong Jockey Club has funded the first “Dongjiang River Source Afforestation and Sustainable Forest Management Forum”. The forum, which was held in Guangzhou, was co-organised by the China Green Carbon Foundation and the Guangdong Provincial Forestry Department.

One of the Club’s latest initiatives to promote sustainability, the forum brought together experts, government officials and scholars, as well as over 120 delegates from public organisations, academic and research institutions, green groups, not-for-profit organisations and the business sector from Mainland China and Hong Kong to discuss the important role of afforestation. Topics covered included, for example: “National afforestation and sustainable forest management targets, strategies and policies”, “HKSAR sustainable development strategies and experience”, “Opportunities and challenges of forestry” and “Forest culture and ecological civilization”.

The HKJC Forest, which is funded by the Club, was highlighted as a successful example of the benefits of afforestation. The forest has been established at the source of the Dongjiang - a major source of drinking water for Hong Kong. According to a research institute it will bring long-term ecological, environmental, social and economic benefits.

 “The HKJC Forest is an environmental project initiated by The Hong Kong Jockey Club starting from 2014,  with the aim of increasing forest size, improving ecological habitat, combating climate change and creating job opportunities for farmers in the Dongjiang area to improve their quality of life. For the Club, sustainability is about much more than keeping its operations environmentally friendly and capable of cost-effective, long-term growth. It is about setting an example to the wider community and supporting initiatives that can address environmental challenges.” the Club's Executive Director of Information Technology and Sustainability Christoph Ganswindt said.

Chairman of China Green Carbon Foundation and Former Vice Minister of Ministry of Forestry of China Liu Yuhe said they look forward to seeing even more corporations, organisations and individuals from Mainland China and Hong Kong participating in ecological development and tackling climate change.

Tang Shouzheng, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Forestry Sciences and Consultant to the State Council emphasised the importance of sustainable forest management in Mainland China. “The Dongjiang river source is located in a sub-tropical region with good hydrothermal conditions. However, the region lacks forest resources both in terms of quantity and quality. Strengthening forest management and enhancing its quality is thus urgently needed in order to raise the functional effectiveness of the forest”, he said.

With the aim of tackling climate change and protecting the environment, the Club has donated over RMB5.5 million to establish the HKJC Forest at the source of Dongjiang – a major source of drinking water for Hong Kong. The Club has planted over 350,000 trees at the HKJC Forest in Dongjiang, with the total afforested area amounting to 4,000 mu (equivalent to 374 standard football fields). It is estimated that 100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide can be absorbed by the afforested area in 20 years, helping to mitigate climate change and improve the local ecological habitat.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class horse racing operator and Hong Kong’s largest community benefactor, as well as one of Asia’s most prestigious membership clubs. Operating as a not-for-profit organisation, the Club allocates its surplus funds for charitable and community projects. In 2014/15, its donations reached a record $3.87 billion, and in the last decade alone it supported over 1,300 projects. The Club is also Hong Kong’s largest single taxpayer, contributing a record HK$20.05 billion in 2014/15. With about 70% of its revenue given back to society every year through donations and tax contributions, The Hong Kong Jockey Club delivers a significantly higher return to the community than any other racing and/or sports betting organisation in the world. As a socially responsible organisation, the Club helps Government combat illegal betting and advocates responsible gambling. The Club is also one of Hong Kong’s largest employers with over 24,000 full-time and part-time staff. Committed to global excellence and giving back to society, the Club is always “riding high together for a better future” with the people of Hong Kong.