WE LOVE HONG KONG!
INTRODUCTION
Today we have become all too familiar with the global threats to our physical environment and the destruction that is taking place across our planet. It is likely that most of you will be able to tell us something about the deforestation of rain forests, climate change or the disappearance of world biodiversity, however, can you recall the last time you lay watching the clouds move, or were alone exploring a forest? Research has shown that our physical contact and intimacy with nature, for young and old alike, is fading rapidly and with list loss in intimacy we are not only endangering our planet, but also our own health.
A growing chorus of scientists and researchers agree: time spent in nature makes us happier, healthier and less stressed. It increases creativity and lowers risk of heart attacks. It even makes us nicer, more empathetic humans, with more meaningful relationships and increased community involvement.
Evidence shows that being regularly immersed in a natural setting, reduces blood pressure, anxiety and stress levels and boosts immunity. Simply having a view of nature leads to faster patient recovery times in hospitals and higher job satisfaction and increased concentration in office workers. Outdoor exercise increases energy levels and reduces anger, depression and obesity.
A growing chorus of scientists and researchers agree: time spent in nature makes us happier, healthier and less stressed. It increases creativity and lowers risk of heart attacks. It even makes us nicer, more empathetic humans, with more meaningful relationships and increased community involvement.
Evidence shows that being regularly immersed in a natural setting, reduces blood pressure, anxiety and stress levels and boosts immunity. Simply having a view of nature leads to faster patient recovery times in hospitals and higher job satisfaction and increased concentration in office workers. Outdoor exercise increases energy levels and reduces anger, depression and obesity.
For children, studies show that time outdoors, especially unstructured time in more natural settings, can increase curiosity, creativity and problem solving ability. It also improves their physical fitness and coordination and reduces symptoms associated with attention deficit disorder. It can even reduce the likelihood of needing glasses for near-sightedness.
Studies also demonstrate that nature can have profound effects on entire neighbourhoods or communities by improving job and life satisfaction of residents and aiding community cohesion and identity. It can even reduce violence and bridge the gap in health between high and low-income communities.
Given this amazing array of benefits and our increasing urbanisation and isolation from nature, it is essential that we reframe our traditional view of nature as a place for leisure and sport towards one that emphasises a full range of physical, mental, and social health benefits.
‘Vitamin N’ aims to inspire, empower and physically connect you with the environment and nature that surrounds us in Hong Kong in order that you may gain and fully appreciation the richness of our everyday surroundings and live a more sustainable life.
Studies also demonstrate that nature can have profound effects on entire neighbourhoods or communities by improving job and life satisfaction of residents and aiding community cohesion and identity. It can even reduce violence and bridge the gap in health between high and low-income communities.
Given this amazing array of benefits and our increasing urbanisation and isolation from nature, it is essential that we reframe our traditional view of nature as a place for leisure and sport towards one that emphasises a full range of physical, mental, and social health benefits.
‘Vitamin N’ aims to inspire, empower and physically connect you with the environment and nature that surrounds us in Hong Kong in order that you may gain and fully appreciation the richness of our everyday surroundings and live a more sustainable life.
Learning beyond the classroom
Over the next 7 weeks your task is to get outdoors and explore Hong Kong with your parents, extended family guardians and friends. It is essential that this is carrying out with these groups of people as the aim is to engage everyone, of all ages about the benefits of being out doors in nature. The only way we will truely care about this fragile planet is if we start to connect with it more deeply. Below is a series of activities that you could undertake with during this unit. You will need to undertake at least 3 of these activities over the 7 week period and you must journal your experiences along the way.
RECORDING MY EXPLORATION
You will need to document the activities that you undertake with your parents through the creation of a photo journal.
EXPLORING HONG KONG: ACTIVITIES
HIKe Hong KongGo on a hike somewhere new in Hong Kong where you have never been before. Explore the countryside and country parks that surrounds our urban metropolis.
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CLEAN A BEACHAn environmental disaster is unfolding along Hong Kong’s coasts, as huge amounts of rubbish is washing up on our shores. Join a dedicated clean up group or simply organise a beach clean up yourself.
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Gardeners WorldExplore Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, a conservation centre that will see you wandering through vegetable gardens, greenhouses of beautiful flowers and plants, and scores of different animals.
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UNESCO GeoparkYou don’t have to be a rock buff to enjoy the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark that showcases Hong Kong’s timeless and eerily beautiful landforms.
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On Two Wheels!Tai Lam Mountain Bike Trail is one of Hong Kong's best-planned and most accessible trails for mountain bike newbies and experts alike.
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Treasure Hunt!With over 3000 hidden treasures in Hong Kong join the 'world's largest treasure hunt' and become a Geocacher.
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WWF Mai Po ReserveEvery winter, around 90,000 migratory birds take refuge in the marshes and mudflats of the internationally acclaimed Mai Po Nature Reserve.
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Star GazingDespite Hong Kong suffering from the effects of light pollution we are still able to enjoy some amazing twilight scenes if we move away from the city centre.
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Walk with the Lantau BuffalosIn Pui O, the descendants of the few dozens water buffalo imported from Vietnam by the British in the late 1800s. Walk amongst these great animals and the wetlands in Pui O.
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Dolphin WatchingMarvel at Hong Kong's endangered and enigmatic 'pink dolphins' as they frolic in the scenic, natural habitat of the New Territories. Head to Tai O on Lantau or take a boat trip to see the dolphins.
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Picnic In the WildernessWith the summer heat no gone , it is a great time for revelling in Hong Kong’s many-spendoured great outdoors. For an especially memorable outing, try picnicking.
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HK Wetland ParkHong Kong Wetland Park is fun, interactive and educational centre, showcasing the region's fragile ecosystem and plethora of wildlife.
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Coastal KayakHong Kong is an amazing destination for sea kayakers with over 260 islands and around 1,000 kms of coastline to explore. There are many organisations who offer this activity for ages and levels.
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Go CampingIt's a wild world out there campers! Escape the city for an adventure to Hong Kong's great outdoors.
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WW2 HistoryWorld War Two battlefield sites lie scattered across the territory. Hong Kong's extensive wartime legacy is one of the city's lesser-explored heritage aspects.
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Build a GardenFew things are more satisfying than growing your own food. Few things are more frustrating than being a garden lover trapped in a teeny-tiny apartment. What to do? Here are some gardening projects that will work on even the smallest balcony or window ledge.
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Tai Po Kau Nature ReserveTai Po Kau Special Area is the best place to spot local species of flora and fauna. Nature is firmly the first priority here, with original forests preserved. It is a complete break from the concrete jungle.
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Create a Natural Art PieceNature can be very inpirational for artists around the world. Now it is your turn to become one! Collect stones, shells, leaves, sticks, anything natural and make an art piece with it.
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