Another opportunity my internship gave me was a chance to meet and interview some conservation officers in Hong Kong! Dr Shaun Russell, the director of Treborth Botanic Gardens, had spoken to me a few times about people from Hong Kong and China who had visited the gardens.
(all photos by Natasha Lee)
Shaun told me about a woman who had visited in 1999, from the Hong Kong government conservation department. I am half Cantonese, and have a lot of relatives in Asia. During my internship I found out that my family planned to visit Hong Kong over Easter! I excitedly contacted Shaun, asking if he still had any contact with the people who visited from Hong Kong. Despite how long it had been (20 years!) he was still able to reach out to them! He gave me their contact details, and closer to the trip we arranged to meet.
I was a little apprehensive at first, as I usually spend all of my time in Hong Kong with family. This was my first time travelling alone somewhere so far away, and while English is an official language in Hong Kong, not everybody speaks it. Thankfully, everything went smoothly! I met with three people from the government Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation department, who were really friendly and answered all my questions.
I got to be driven around the Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve in an official government vehicle (regular cars are prohibited) while asking about the park and what conservation work is like here. They told me about different issues they’ve faced and what parts of the park are most popular. Less than 25% of Hong Kong is the developed city you typically picture, and over 40% of Hong Kong’s land is dedicated to country parks and protected nature areas!
I was shown the conservation office at the park, an old fire lookout station, and the second tallest point in Hong Kong! I was also taken to Hong Kong’s largest Arboretum, and the nearby quarry lake. The whole experience was incredible, and I feel so lucky to have been able to do this.
Hong Kong feels like a second home to me, despite growing up in the UK. I am surrounded by my culture, as well as some great weather and food! While I am worried about the current political climate, I would still love to work here one day. There are so many nature parks, reserves and zoos that would be incredible to be a part of! I treasure every trip I’m able to make to Hong Kong, and hope that I can head back soon.
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