More than a hundred “gardeners” comprising volunteers from Hongkong Electric, Lamma residents and students pose in front of Lamma Power Station before departing for their tree-planting mission (From right) Hongkong Electric’s Chief Engineer (Projects) Dr. C.W Tso joins CA’s Ms. Lister Cheung, Island District Council Member Ms. Yu Lai-fan and Hongkong Electric’s Mr. Francis Cheng in planting trees along the Family Trail Volunteers from Hongkong Electric start off their green mission in great excitement  Some volunteers taking care of young  gardeners during tree planting                     A little gardener from Lamma           planting for a greener home

A survey conducted earlier by Hongkong Electric and the Conservancy Association (CA) on Lamma Island showed that most visitors saw the Island’s rich potential in developing eco-tours. Respondents agreed that the natural environment and green educational facilities should be enhanced to further promote sustainable development on Lamma.

CA’s Chief Executive Ms. Lister Cheung said, “67% of the 370 respondents said they enjoy hiking along the Lamma Family Trail and 59% agree that more trees should be planted to provide shade for hikers.”

“81% reckon that there should be more plants of different species to enrich the natural environment, and that information boards on plants and eco-tour guides should also be put in place to make tours more educational,” she continued.

“As 83% of the respondents said they visit Lamma mainly for hiking, visiting historical sites and seafood restaurants, it is obvious that the Island has high potential for organizing eco-tours.”

The survey was part of the 3-year “Green Lamma Green” project launched last May by CA and Hongkong Electric. The findings echo the project aim of enriching the greenery and promoting sustainable development on Lamma Island.

Under the project, about 1,500 trees found their home last year at a hilltop near the popular Lamma Family Trail running between Sok Kwu Wan and Yung Shue Wan. Another 600 seedlings were planted today by more than a hundred “gardeners” comprising volunteers from Hongkong Electric, students and Lamma residents.

Mr. Francis Cheng, Chief Engineer (Generation) of Hongkong Electric, was excited with the opportunity to work with students and the local community in improving Lamma’s environment.

“Lamma Island has been home to our power station since the early 80s and as a member of the local community, Hongkong Electric has been keenly supporting initiatives to enhance Lamma’s environment. So far, we have planted close to 70,000 trees on the Island, including over 2,000 planted under ‘Green Lamma Green’,” he said.

“This is already the second year of the project. We will continue to work with CA in enriching the bio-diversity of the Family Trail, and enhancing the educational value and facilities en-route, including the erection of information signages and the training of eco-tour guides.”