We are Maggie, Winnie and Rio, committee members of SDGs project group at Sumitomo Mitsui Trust (Hong Kong).

On a crisp autumn in late November 2024, 22 members from SMTHK arrived ‘Lai Chi Wo – a 400-year-old Hakka walled village’ in Hong Kong’s New Territories early in the morning and were excited to explore, learn, and contribute to the revitalization of Hong Kong’s rural heritage. The activity is supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals of No. 11 “Making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient” and No. 12 “Ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns”.

Lai Chi Wo village is hidden behind mangrove forests, making it difficult for pirates to find it in the past

Hakka House and Coffee tree in the village

Sustainable farm to promote biodiversity

Farmland restoration volunteer activity at ‘Mui Tsz Lam’　「農地復元ボランティア活動」

The activity was organized by a local environmental project – ‘Forest Village Program’, which built upon the principle of environmental stewardship, aims to conserve, revitalize and enhance the natural, cultural and landscape values of old villages. This is a first-of-its-kind project in Hong Kong that focuses on upland forest conserving both natural and cultural landscapes as an integrated and holistic living heritage.

We armed with tools and guided by local farmers, rolled up our sleeves to clear overgrown plants, repair irrigation systems, and prepare the land for future cultivation.

The experience was both physically demanding and deeply rewarding. We gained a newfound appreciation for the hard work that goes into sustainable farming. Restoring farmland not only supports local food production but also enhances carbon sequestration and biodiversity.

Hong Kong’s rural areas, which are often overlooked in the bustling metropolis, have so much to offer when it comes to sustainable living. Events like this one are so important in bringing people together, fostering understanding, and showing how we’re all connected. It was also inspiring to see that not only our employees but also their families participate in making our society better and play a crucial role in advancing our company’s sustainability goals.