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POSTPONED In Person Talk - The Oyster Odyssey: Restoring Hong Kong’s Lost Treasure - Ms. Marine Thomas

  • 11/F Wesleyan House 271 Queen's Road East Wan Chai, Hong Kong Island Hong Kong SAR China (map)

POSTPONED TO EARLY 2025

Oysters and oyster reefs in Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta hold significant ecological, cultural, and historical value. In partnership with The Explorer's Club Hong Kong, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Hong Kong produced a documentary that delves into the captivating story of this forgotten ecosystem. A talk will be given by Marine Thomas, Associate Director of Conservation, TNC about the screening of this documentary.

Over the past century, more than 85 percent of all shellfish ecosystems have been lost, making them the most endangered marine habitat on the planet. Hong Kong is no exception. Historical research and dive expeditions completed by TNC and The University of Hong Kong revealed that Hong Kong historically had extensive shellfish habitats that have been decimated by dredging for lime and development. Unfortunately, this ecological tragedy silently unfolded beneath the surface, and many people remain unaware of what has been lost.

Oyster reefs and other shellfish habitats provide various ecosystem services that benefit human communities, including water filtration, coastal protection and habitat provision for fish and other ocean creatures. This oyster odyssey chronicles previous diving expeditions to investigate remnant reefs across Lantau, retracing over 1,000 years of history around oysters and their cultural significance for Hong Kong, and follows the story of scientists that are fighting to restore them. The film aims to raise awareness about the significance of oyster reefs and their impact on the health of Hong Kong waters, and foster greater support for their protection and restoration.

The Speaker

Marine Thomas is the Associate Director of Conservation for The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Hong Kong. She is responsible for overseeing TNC’s marine conservation projects on the ground, with a current focus on restoring natural habitats and developing sustainable oyster aquaculture.

Marine joined TNC in 2014 as a volunteer, bringing seven years of project management experience from various industries in the corporate world. She graduated with a Master’s degree in Environmental Management from The University of Hong Kong. Marine also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chinese language and civilization from the National Institute of Oriental Language and Civilization in Paris and a Master’s of Science in International Management for China from the School of Oriental and African Studies in London.

Programme

Time: 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm (Reception starts at 6:30 pm)

Admission: $150 for members, $200 for guests /non-members

Registration:Please email <membership@royalasiaticsociety.org.hk> and provide your membership number, if applicable, at the time of registration.  Please kindly complete your registration by advance payment via Stripe's payment links below (using your Credit Card):

Members ($150):

https://buy.stripe.com/3cs5nq5Tz3Bc5KE8y3

Non-members / Guests ($200):

https://buy.stripe.com/fZecPSgyd2x8a0U3dK

Details about the other payment options will be sent on registration.  Upon receipt of payment, your registration will be confirmed by email.  Registration will be closed at 12 noon on 4 November 2024.