Eco Terrace launches Pioneer Allotment Field Programme

By enabling participants to experience the farming process with their family, the programme helps inspire healthy organic green living.

Ms Florence Hui, Under Secretary for Home Affairs (fourth from right) and Mr Andy Cheung, CFO of The Link Management Limited (third from right) at today's Eco Terrace planting ceremony.

"Eco Terrace" launches Pioneer Allotment Field Programme.

Ms Florence Hui, Under Secretary for Home Affairs (fifth from left) and Mr Andy Cheung, CFO of The Link Management (sixth from right), Legislative Councillor Mr Fred Li (third from left) and Ms Ma Lai-mei, chairperson of Lok Fu Plaza Tenant Associ

Ms Florence Hui, Under Secretary for Home Affairs (fourth from right)and Mr Andy Cheung, CFO of The Link Management (third from right), Legislative Councillor Mr Fred Li (second from right), along with other guests, visited Eco Terrace

Performance by Hong Kong's Rope-Skipping Team.

Performance by Terrace's green partner YMCA Rope-skipping Class.

Green Community Project "Eco Terrace" today rolled out its autumn/winter plantation. In a bid to strengthen community participation, the autumn-winter version of the project has launched a pioneer allotment field so that nearby residents have the opportunity to take part in farming activities at the terraced field. By enabling participants to experience the farming process with their family, and share planting tips with each other, the project will help inspire healthy organic green living.

The expanded field features over 5,000 pots of nearly 15,000 sets of organic vegetables for the autumn and winter seasons. The "Eco Terrace" project was recently awarded an Asian CSR Award in Environment Excellence in October, recognizing that the creative green community programme is among the best in the region.

Hundreds of residents and members of the public joined the project's opening ceremony at noon today. Apart from group planting activities, they enjoyed a performance by Hong Kong's Rope-Skipping Team which won the World Championship earlier this year.

Officiating guest Ms Florence Hui Hiu Fai, Under Secretary for Home Affairs, said, "Shopping centres located near public housing estates are where the public frequently come to shop and dine. I hope that the launch of "Eco Terrace" will inspire other companies and organisations to hold more creative engagement programmes in communities of all sizes."

Mr Andy Cheung, Chief Financial Officer of The Link Management Limited, said, "The Link REIT is implementing green initiatives and environmental policies in a holistic manner across its portfolio, with a view to reducing the carbon footprint in its properties. These initiatives include a pilot scheme for vertical greening at the facade of a Lok Fu Plaza car park. The Link REIT has saved over 18 million kilowatts of electricity in its properties during the last financial year, through various measures in its daily operations. This is equivalent to cutting the release of 10.2 million kilograms of carbon dioxide. "

Green partners joining the opening event included Mr Humphrey Wong, "Eco Terrace" architect and Ms Chu Pui-kwan, chairperson of the Sustainable Ecological Ethical Development Foundation and founder of The Organic Farm.

Guests and participants at the ceremony also engaged in a creative exercise by participating in decorating the "Kowloon Walled City Art Installation" at the Terrace with nostalgic shop signs designed by Mr Douglas Young founder of GOD.

Open from end of October to end of January 2011, the autumn-winter version of the Terrace, located at Lok Fu Plaza's podium, will showcase 18 species of seasonal vegetables and fruits including strawberries, broccoli, cabbage, beetroot, romaine lettuce and sunflowers. Admission is free of charge.

Other community engagement activities of the project include upcycling of shopping mall waste green workshop, rope-skipping class, heritage walks, and community harvest events.

Green Partners co-organizing the series of "Eco Terrace" activities include: Sustainable Ecological Ethical Development Foundation, The Organic Farm, architect Mr Humphrey Wong, G.O.D. Founder Mr Douglas Young, YMCA, HKICC Lee Shau Kee School of Creativity, Munsang College, community history consultant Dr. Joseph Ting, Hong Kong Architecture Centre and UNY.