Biodiversity and Nature-Based Solutions Hub
The Biodiversity and Nature-Based Solutions Hub is established at HKUST under the Division of Environment and Sustainability (ENVR) in HKUST’s Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies (AIS) to advance biodiversity education, research, innovation and public engagement.
The Hub supports HKUST’s commitment to integrate biodiversity into the University’s core curriculum, so that all students can gain a foundational understanding of Hong Kong’s biodiversity, the HKSAR Government’s Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2035 (BSAP2035) and its conservation priorities as well as the role of nature-based solutions (NbS) in building a more resilient and sustainable city.
Biodiversity is no longer a specialist environmental subject. It is central to climate adaptation, urban development, public health, community wellbeing and quality of life. The Hub brings together expertise across climate science, ecology, sustainability, engineering, data science, design, media, policy and community engagement to make biodiversity more visible, understandable and actionable.
What We Do
- Core Curriculum
We support the development of a new biodiversity core curriculum for all HKUST students, targeted for launch in 2027, in collaboration with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD). - Biodiversity and Climate Science
We connect biodiversity and climate science to show how healthy ecosystems help regulate water flows, reduce heat, protect coastlines, store carbon and strengthen community resilience. - Campus Living Laboratory
HKUST manages the only university campus in Hong Kong with a coastline that the university manages. With both terrestrial and marine environments, the campus provides a living laboratory for biodiversity education, research, monitoring, restoration and NbS. - Research and Collaboration
We foster cross-disciplinary research and collaboration with other universities, government, community partners and the private sector to support biodiversity protection, NbS and climate resilience in Hong Kong.
Why HKUST
AIS’s interdisciplinary structure allows biodiversity to relate to science, technology, design, media, finance, policy and public engagement. The HKUST campus provides a rare setting where students and researchers can observe, measure, test and enhance NbS in real-world conditions.
As the campus continues to evolve, HKUST can integrate biodiversity-positive design and NbS into its buildings, landscapes, slopes, drainage systems, outdoor spaces and coastal areas, demonstrating how built environments can support both people and nature.
Collaboration
The Hub works with partners to strengthen the link between research, education, policy and practice. AFCD has welcomed the new core curriculum on biodiversity and is working with HKUST on its development.
On 10 October 2026, during HKUST’s signature CARE2026 conference on climate adaptation and resilience, ENVR will convene scholars and partners to explore collaboration on biodiversity, NbS and climate resilience, including how universities can support Hong Kong’s BSAP2035 and the wider application of NbS.
Hub People
 Prof. Siu Fai LEUNG |
 Prof. Alexis Kai Hon LAU |
 Prof. Kenneth LEUNG |
 Prof. Kung Wai Christine LOH |
 Dr. Jay Joan MINUTI |
Prof. Quentin MOREAU |
Latest news
Contact
Ms. Sharon CHONG
Senior Manager, ENVR
Tel: (852) 2358 8363
Email: sharonchong@ust.hk
Office: Room 4412 (Lifts 17/18)