- Nature-based solutions (NbS) are critical to Hong Kong’s climate resilience and biodiversity strategy, particularly in the Northern Metropolis.
- A new report by The Nature Conservancy and Civic Exchange outlines a bold roadmap for integrating NbS into urban planning, regional collaboration, and finance.
HONG KONG, June 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Nature Conservancy (TNC), in collaboration with Civic Exchange, has released a landmark report titled “Nature-based Solutions in the Northern Metropolis: A Model for 21st-century Cities in Addressing Global Climate.” The report, launched in June 2025, synthesises the insights and recommendations that emerged from the Nature-based Solutions for Climate Conference held in January 2025. The event convened over 200 experts and stakeholders to explore the role of NbS in shaping a climate-resilient and nature-positive future for Hong Kong.
Photo caption: (from left to right) Mr Scott Lim, Ms Kitty Tam, Prof Christine Loh, Prof Wong Kam Sing, Prof Ling Kar Kan, Ms Lulu Zhou
The report positions the Northern Metropolis as a flagship opportunity to demonstrate how cities can integrate nature into urban growth and harness the power of thriving ecosystems for enhanced climate resilience. It calls for immediate action to implement NbS—such as wetland restoration, reforestation, and urban greening—as essential infrastructure for climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development.
“Nature-based solutions are not just about conservation—they are about building a future where people and nature thrive together,” said Ms. Lulu Zhou, Director of Strategic Partnerships (Asia Pacific) for Climate Resilience at TNC. “This report provides a science-based, actionable framework for Hong Kong to lead the region in climate resilience.”
Key Findings and Recommendations:
- Climate Risks Are Intensifying: The Northern Metropolis faces extreme heat, sea-level rise, and flooding. NbS can mitigate these risks while enhancing ecological and community resilience. Urgent action is needed—if climate change progresses unchecked, natural systems may be pushed beyond their capacity to recover.
- Policy Integration Is Critical: The report urges the Hong Kong government to embed NbS into the forthcoming updates of the Climate Action Plan and Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (BSAP), as well as Northern Metropolis development plans.
- Cross-Border Collaboration Is Vital: Joint planning with Shenzhen can unlock regional ecological connectivity and climate resilience across the Greater Bay Area.
- Financing Nature: The report outlines innovative financing mechanisms—including blended finance and public-private partnerships—to scale NbS implementation.
The report presents strategic recommendations in three key areas: integrating Nature-based Solutions into urban planning, enhancing regional collaboration in the Greater Bay Area, and attracting investment through innovative financing. These aim to position the Northern Metropolis as a leading example of climate-resilient, nature-integrated urban development.
“As the government updates its Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (BSAP) and prepares a new Climate Action Plan, it must embed far greater urgency and ambition—particularly by scaling up Nature-based Solutions. Globally, efforts to reduce emissions are still falling short. Hong Kong has the opportunity to lead by example, showing how a dense urban city can integrate nature into infrastructure, reduce climate risks, and support biodiversity. By prioritising NbS, Hong Kong can drive transformative change and inspire cities around the world to take bold, nature-positive action.” said Ms. Kitty Tam, Lead Author of the report and Programme Lead at Civic Exchange.
Please click Nature-based solutions | The Nature Conservancy Hong Kong for the full report.
For photos: LINK
About The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping to make cities more livable. Working in more than 81 countries and territories, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. TNC has been in Asia Pacific for almost 30 years, with projects in Australia, mainland China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Mongolia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. In 2019, TNC was awarded the Lui Che Woo Prize for Sustainable Development. To learn more, visit www.tnc.org.hk
About Civic Exchange
Civic Exchange is an independent public policy think tank with a vision to shape a liveable and sustainable Hong Kong. Our mission is to engage society and influence public policy through research, dialogue, and the development of practical solutions. Civic Exchange has been ranked among the top 50 environment policy think tanks in the world by the University of Pennsylvania since 2011. To know more, please visit: https://civic-exchange.org/
