The first Eco-tour Design Competition of City University of Hong Kong (CityU) concluded at an award ceremony held on 7 April. The competition was organised by the Environmental Protection Society of CityU’s Students’ Union, with ardent support from Student Development Services and sponsorship from the Hang Seng Environmental Protection programme. The Ma Wan eco-tour designed by Priscilla Ho Sau-man (centre) and Terry Choi Wai-yip (right), Year 3 and Year 2 students of the Department of Information Systems, received the champion and new route design awards.

"Sustainable development for society and economy should be achieved without the expense of environment,” said Professor Paul Lam Kwan-sing (left), Vice-President (Student Affairs). “A fair and righteous society should understand and find solutions for problems arising from a deteriorating environment. This competition helps arouse the public’s environmental awareness and enable them to understand that solutions to major environmental problems such as global warming can start from small steps.”

Priscilla and Terry said many locals were not aware of the natural beauty of Hong Kong and sometimes wanted to avoid the trouble of travelling a long distance to the countryside. With this in mind, the two students chose Ma Wan as their eco-tour destination due to its proximity to urban areas. Another reason for selecting Ma Wan was its integration of both the old and new, with a modern residential area beside a traditional fishing village.

The eco-tour competition attracted 19 teams comprising 42 students. Adjudicators consisted of CityU staff and external environmental protection experts, including Mr Ken Ching See-ho, one of the Ten Outstanding Young Persons 2006 and Director of Eco-education and Resources Centre. Award-winning entries will be used to promote awareness of environmental protection and cultural conservation on campus and in the community. The award recipients will serve as ambassadors providing guided eco-tours.