Coastal wetlands such as mangroves, salt marshes and seagrass meadows are crucial ‘blue carbon’ ecosystems, capable of long-term carbon sequestration and storage. A research team led by Professor Derrick Lai Yuk-fo from the Department of Geography and Resource Management at CUHK has identified subtropical brackish fishponds as one of the global ecosystems with the highest greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, based on a two-and-a-half-year study. The team emphasises that protecting coastal wetlands, particularly mangroves, from conversion to aquaculture ponds could be an effective, nature-based climate solution. This research underscores the importance of immediate conservation action to halt mangrove deforestation, which is crucial not just for biodiversity but also for combating climate change.

A CUHK research team led by Professor Amos Tai, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (EES); Professor Joe Lee, Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability (IEES); Dr Felix Leung, Honorary Research Fellow at IEES; and Yuen Nok-lam, a former researcher at EES, has conducted a study assessing the occurrence of Chinese white dolphins in the waters around Lantau Island, Hong Kong. The study analysed 13 natural and human factors that could affect dolphin populations across six water zones near Lantau Island, and found that dolphins in northern Lantau are most severely affected by land reclamation, high-speed vessels and water pollution. Understanding the impact of recent intense disturbances on dolphins has global significance, particularly in regions where dense human activity and rapid development pose significant threats to dolphin populations. This study not only provides important insights for the development of dolphin conservation policies in these regions but also aims to promote the development of international wildlife protection policies.

On 24 July 2025, the School of Life Sciences (SLS) of CUHK and the Pew Charitable Trusts co-organised a Research Symposium with the theme ‘Exploring research gaps and opportunities to achieve an effective 30×30 conservation vision for Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area’. 13 scientists and experts contributed to a research-informed dialogue on opportunities to enhance area-based protection and restoration of marine habitats, attracting over 100 participants from both the public and private sectors. The event explored the feasibility and research direction of cross-border marine conservation and its contribution to the ‘30 x 30’ conservation vision under the Global Biodiversity Framework, which calls for the conservation of 30% of Earth’s land and sea by 2030 through protected areas and other conservation methods.

The Coral Academy organizes a range of engaging activities including seminars, workshops, lab visits, citizens science programmes and public exhibitions, which provide participants with a deeper knowledge of the vibrant marine biodiversity and coral communities that thrive within the waters of Hong Kong. It also fosters a deeper connection between local corals and students through hands-on involvement in coral restoration efforts through the School Coral Nursery Education Programme and AFCD x Coral Academy Coral Nursery Education Programme. During the past five years, The Academy has successfully engaged with around 100 local schools, over 30,000 students and teachers, and over 740,000 public through extensive education outreach efforts.

Professor Apple Chui, founder of the Coral Academy and an Assistant Professor at SLS, won the ‘Falling Walls Science Breakthrough of the Year Award - Science Engagement Category’ at the Falling Walls Science Summit with her Coral Nursery project. The project addresses climate change by conserving coral reefs threatened by warming oceans and environmental degradation. Schools are turned into coral nurseries where students care for fragments which are later returned to the ocean by researchers, fostering hands-on environmental stewardship. The project aims to raise awareness, encourage marine-friendly lifestyles, and build a lasting connection with nature through education and direct conservation work.