Club-funded Hoi Ha Marine Life Centre opens to promote marine education

19 January 2008

The Jockey Club HSBC WWF Hong Kong Hoi Ha Marine Life Centre, an initiative to promote marine education and help Hong Kong people gain a better understanding of the marine environment, was officially opened today (19 January). The Hong Kong Jockey Club has donated a total of HK$48 million to help the World Wide Fund for Nature Hong Kong (WWF) establish and fit out the Centre. Today's opening ceremony was performed by Club Steward Mr T Brian Stevenson; the HSBC's Head of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Asia Pacific Region, Ms Teresa Au; WWF Hong Kong Chairman Mr Markus Shaw; and WWF Hong Kong Chief Executive Officer Mr Eric Bohm.

Located at the Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park, in the north of Sai Kung West Country Park, the Centre is constructed over the coastal seabed. After providing initial funding for the project in 1996, the Club made a further donation in 2005 to help fit out the Centre as a '' Classroom on the Sea''. It is equipped with an exhibition room, multi-function rooms and an aquarium in addition to a glass-bottomed boat which can accommodate 40 passengers. A range of marine education programmes including field studies, experiments and interactive scientific activities has been designed to meet the different needs of students from upper primary to tertiary levels, teachers, uniformed youth groups, environmental ambassadors and community centres. By enhancing marine conservation knowledge and encouraging public participation, it is hoped that Hong Kong!|s precious marine resources can be better protected for the enjoyment of future generations.