The Seahorse Ranger’s inauguration ceremony is the first major event organised by the Hong Kong Ocean Park Conservation Alliance, which concluded successfully on the 10th January 2024. The event attracted close to 1,000 participants, including representatives from the education sector, teachers and students from more than 60 local schools. The ceremony celebrated the launch of the Seahorse Rangers program and further promoted the program to schools and the public, as well as mark the beginning of the Seahorse Rangers' journey in taking action on conservation matters.
Coming together to promote a large-scale conservation event
Many teachers and students were appointed as the inaugural members of the Seahorse Rangers (referred as “Rangers” below) during the inauguration ceremony. Mr. Sze Chun Fai, the Acting Secretary for Education were among the special guests who witnessed the momentous occasion. Throughout the ceremony, the Rangers gained valuable insights into the strategic importance and vision behind establishing the Ocean Park Conservation Alliance. Members are committed in promoting conservation messages to their peers, families and the wider community through personal endeavors. The event concluded on a celebratory note with a group photo of education sector representatives and Seahorse Rangers members.
Apart from the inauguration ceremony, all Seahorse Rangers also participated in two meaningful conservation workshops. The animal faeces papermaking workshop led by villagers in Whiskers Village set a new record, with 369 rangers jointly utilizing giant panda feces and recycled pulp to turn these waste into handmade paper. By means of the activity, the Rangers gained an understanding that giant pandas are unable to completely digest bamboo, resulting in their faeces retaining a substantial quantity of bamboo fibers. As a consequence, the members were able to engage in collaborative paper production as a creative contribution to environmental preservation. Additionally, the Rangers took part in the “Eat Local” talk, aimed at acquiring knowledge about the regional agriculture and fisheries sectors, as well as comprehending the significance of selecting locally sourced ingredients.
Gratitude for Support - Advancing Conservation in New Directions
The success of the inauguration ceremony for the Seahorse Rangers was not only reliant on the enthusiastic participation of esteemed guests, school teachers, and students, but also the invaluable support provided by Gaau1 Up and Hung Yat Farm, which brought a dynamic energy to the event. Gaau1 Up Design Studio, a Hong Kong-based workshop specializing in experiential, creative, and educational activities centered around plastic recycling, contributed to the occasion by designing a Seahorse Rangers lightbox using recycled plastics. This visually captivating lightbox was strategically placed in front of the lagoon fountain, serving as a backdrop for the Rangers and park visitors to capture memorable photographs while simultaneously promoting the messages of the Seahorse Rangers initiative.
Additionally, Hung Yat Farm, a local farm committed to cultivating premium agricultural products without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers, played a significant role in the ceremony. The farm thoughtfully prepared organic lettuce and a fruit enzyme drink made from fruit pulp, offering the participants a refreshing and nourishing experience. Furthermore, the guests, teachers, and students had the opportunity to not only acquire valuable conservation knowledge but also take home presents to share with their families, thereby embodying the practice of "Eat Local" principles.
