Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden ushers in new era of conservation with opening of Jockey Club Nature Conservation Centre

HONG KONG - Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG) is celebrating the grand opening of its Jockey Club Nature Conservation Centre (JCNCC), marking the dawn of a new era in its commitment to nature conservation, holistic education and sustainable living. This new chapter for KFBG builds on a strong foundation of conservation work: its excellence was recently recognized with the achievement of TGBS Premium-Tier Certification, the highest award from the Global Biodiversity Standard, honouring KFBG's world-leading performance in achieving measurable, positive biodiversity outcomes.

The JCNCC’s construction, which commenced in 2019, was made possible by generous donations from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and The Kadoorie Foundation. The Centre will serve as a dynamic hub for KFBG’s environmental conservation, holistic education and sustainable living programmes. 

The JCNCC sets a benchmark for nature-friendly and sustainable architecture. Designed as a “landscraper”, following the contours of KFBG’s terraced hillside, it seamlessly blends into the environment. Its eco-conscious design features a green rooftop, skylights, integrated Low-E glass and a solar heating system. An eco-friendly gabion wall provides habitats for small animals and insects, complemented by bird and bat boxes. These features are not merely aesthetic but are integral to the building’s function, contributing to biodiversity and demonstrating a practical commitment to environmental stewardship. The building has achieved a Provisional Gold rating under BEAM Plus New Buildings, a voluntary rating scheme which rewards and recognises buildings that adopt best environmental practices.

At the ceremony, Chan Kwok-ki GBS, IDSM, JP, the Chief Secretary for Administration, said “The Government is deeply committed to protecting Hong Kong’s biodiversity and environment. Last month, we published our updated Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, which reflects both global goals and our country’s national strategy for conservation. The Plan outlines how Hong Kong will protect nature and support sustainable development over the next decade. I am pleased to say that KFBG played a significant role in this updated plan.” He further emphasise the importance of collaboration, “Nature conservation and biodiversity require constant care and collaboration. I look forward to continuing our cooperation with KFBG, the Jockey Club, scholars, researchers, environmentalists and the general public – to keep nature at the heart of Hong Kong’s future.”

Lester Huang, Deputy Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said that Sustainability is one of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust’s nine impact programmes. The Trust’s support for the Jockey Club Nature Conservation Centre reflects its strong commitment to advancing sustainability and building a liveable Hong Kong.

Andrew McAulay, Chairperson of KFBG, said, " To support all this work, we badly needed a new space, with offices for over a hundred staff, as well as educational facilities for the public. With its modern, efficient and nature-friendly design, the JCNCC is more than fit for purpose. Once again, let me extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust for their generous sponsorship, which has made this vision a reality. Finally, our sincere thanks to the Hong Kong government for their ongoing support for KFBG in a relationship that goes back 70 years.”

The building’s architect, Humphrey Wong of Meta4 Design Forum, explained the philosophy behind its unique design. “When we brainstormed the design, we thought of it as a landscraper, not a skyscraper. We envisioned Architecture for All - not just for people, but also for plants and animals. Every element, from the cascading building form that respects the site character, to the gabion walls that provide habitats for wildlife, is designed to be in dialogue with nature.”

To commemorate the opening, a group of rehabilitated native spotted dove, was released back into the wild. The act symbolized the core mission of KFBG’s Wild Animal Rescue Centre, which has rescued over 76,000 wild animals since 1994. The act served as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to safeguard the environment and tangible impact of KFBG’s decades-long conservation efforts.

The new centre will enable KFBG to expand its public engagement, with programmes projected to reach more than 42,000 members of the public annually, including children and people with disabilities, through immersive nature and sustainable living education experiences