The Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum (HKBM) is the first museum in Hong Kong that is dedicated to biodiversity serving as a natural history museum promoting environmental education and appreciation of biodiversity, fostering its preservation as a part of mankind’s natural heritage and supporting scientific research on biodiversity.
Due to the geographical location, topography and climate, Hong Kong presents an astonishing diversity of plants, fungi and animals, with an estimate of more than 30,000 species. With nearly 50,000 specimens, the HKBM hosts the largest and most comprehensive biodiversity collection within Hong Kong. Several of the species present, collected from the 1920’s to 70’s, are unfortunately now considered as threatened and thus represent an important heritage to pass on to the future generations.
The HKBM is currently managed by a team of experts from the School of Biological Sciences at The University of Hong Kong, together with the support from various scientists and partners. The museum is self-funded and supported by grants from the Environment and Conservation Fund (EE&CA No. 2211 & 2695), New World Charity Foundation, and donations from visitors and benefactors.
The Speaker
Dr. Benoit Guénard is an Associate Professor at School of Biological Sciences, the University of Hong Kong and the founding director of the Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum. His research focuses on the evolution and changes of biodiversity over space and time with a particular focus on ants and other insects to provide new tools and insights leading to the protection of these important organisms. Having published nearly 130 scientific articles and book chapters, he is one of the most cited scientists in his field, providing unique understanding on ongoing biodiversity changes and threats.
For over 20 years, he also raised awareness on the importance of science education and of biodiversity to human societies to mitigate ecological crises. Since the opening of the Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum to the public in May 2021, the work he accomplished with his team offers novel and exciting scientific knowledge on thousands of species, big or small, encountered locally or all over the world. Visited by nearly 30,000 visitors on site and reaching hundreds of thousands of people online, the HKBM serves now as a flagship in Hong Kong environmental education.
Admission: $100 for members and $150 for guests / non-members
Registration: Please email <membership@royalasiaticsociety.org.hk> in advance to register your attendance.
The tour has a capped capacity and requires pre-registration and confirmation upon receipt of payment.
The details of the payment methods will be emailed to those people who email us for booking.
Registration will be closed at 12:00 noon on 10 January. No walk-in guests allowed.