Already 90% confirmed attendees ! Register now

Date: 25 October 2024

Time: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

 Venue: A1217, Main Campus, HKMU

EMPOWERING STARTUPS TO RESTORE OUR AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM

iodiversity   Innovation

   orum 2024



Days

Hours

Minutes

Seconds

B

I

F

About the Forum

The ultimate goal of the forum would be to foster collaboration and innovation in order to address the pressing issue of biodiversity loss and ecosystems
degradation in our oceans and other aquatic environments.

Keynote Speaker

Mr. Harry Chan Tin Ming , MH

Ghost Net Hunter (鬼網大叔)

Mr. Harry Chan, known as Hong Kong’s “ghost net hunter,” dedicates his life to clearing the city’s waterways of abandoned fishing nets. With a passion for diving, he engages in underwater clean-ups weekly, collaborating with various groups and NGOs. His experiences, including diving with disabled divers, have shown him the therapeutic benefits of the ocean. In recognition of his environmental advocacy, Chan received the Medal of Honor in 2020 from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. He operates independently, funding his efforts personally , driven solely by his love for marine life and a commitment to protecting the fragile ecosystem for future generations.

Guest Speakers

 

 

 

Dr. Juan Carlos Astudillo

Marine Ecologist & Assistant Professor

Dr. Juan Carlos Astudillo is an Assistant Professor at the Metropolitan University of Hong Kong. As a marine ecologist, he specializes in marine biodiversity assessment, invasion biology, and ecological engineering for habitat rehabilitation. His current research focuses on applying ecological and engineering principles to enhance the biodiversity and ecosystem functions of degraded coastal areas.

 

 

 

Ms. Tsz Ching Lo (Iris)

Associate Animal Care Specialist at Ocean Park Hong Kong

Iris is an aquarist at Ocean Park Hong Kong supporting the Park's coral restoration and conservation work. Committed to promoting marine life rehabilitation and conservation, she is working closely with cross-sectoral collaborators to rebuild local coral communities and strengthen public awareness on marine conservation.

 

 

 

Ms. Samyuktha Sriram

Head of Business Development, Clearbot

Samyuktha leads business development at Clearbot, an innovative company revolutionizing marine services through AI-powered autonomous boats. With a focus on expanding Clearbot's global presence, Samyuktha drives partnerships and strategic initiatives that contribute to solving environmental challenges like marine pollution through cutting-edge technology.

Ms. Mostafa Monira Firdouse

Development Impact Measurement Consultant

Ms. Monira is a highly experienced Development Impact Measurement Consultant at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group. She specializes in Country Partnership Strategy Development and Stakeholder Management.

Monira holds a Master degree in Energy and Environmental Sustainability and she is esteemed Alumni of HKMU. She is a passionate researcher, Part-time Lecturer and ESG and Climate risk speaker. Her work includes ESG integration, climate Risk, Sustainability Strategy, and Assurance.

Monira believes, our economy, financial stability and the broader resilience of society depend on nature. Basic foundations of conservation practice and sustainable management of the world remaining resources in vital and it is time to better integrate the science of taxonomy back into the conservation world to meet the global biodiversity challenge that we currently face.

Topics

Restoration

Speaker: Dr. Juan Carlos Astudillo

Topic: Eco-Engineering Solutions for Restoring Marine Biodiversity in Degraded Coastal Ecosystems

Speaker: Ms. Tsz Ching Lo Iris

Topic: The Role of Aquariums in Local Coral Restoration

Control

Speaker: Ms. Samyuktha Sriram

Topic: Protecting our oceans with robotics and AI

Stewardship

Speaker: Ms. Mostafa Monira Firdouse

Topic: Industry Engagements on Biodiversity to Manage Unintended Consequences

Featuring Startups

Designing afterNATURE means learning from organisms and their habitats and developing new technologies
that enhance the ecological value of coastal ecosystems. Our experience is derived from years of practice enhancing and monitoring coastal ecosystems.

At afterNATURE, we provide coastal adaptation and ecological design services for areas impacted by sea level rise, flooding, or habitat loss. We fabricate habitat enhancement units for vertical seawalls, sloped seawalls, rip-rap, and engineered subtidal reefs. Our goal is to promote a sustainable and livable future through enhanced ecosystems.

Chiu+rec

Dr. Chi Chiu Lo

Marine Ecological and Marine Ecological Engineer

Chiu is a marine ecologist with several years of research experience in Hong Kong, focusing on coastal ecology, ecological restoration and biodiversity.

Michael+rec

Michael Kokora

Assistant Professor at the University of Hong Kong

Michael has been designing and leading small and large scale architecture, landscape, and urban design projects in Asia, North America, and Europe over the past 20 years.

Thea+rec

Thea Bradford

Doctor of Philosophy (Student), Department of Chemistry

Thea is a marine ecologist, with several years of experience working on ecological engineering, coastal ecology, restoration, and biodiversity research in Hong Kong.

Kenny+rec

Kenneth M.Y.Leung

Director of State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution

Kenneth is an experienced marine ecologist with sound knowledge of local marine ecosystems, marine biodiversity and fisheries in Hong Kong.

Established in 2019, Clearbot started off as a student project to to help Indonesian surfers clean up waterways efficiently. At the time, paddle boats and nets were still the most prevalent solutions in the region which left locals ill-equipped to deal with the trash flow.

Within a year of working on Clearbots for this project, we began to understand the demand for our hassle free, sustainable infrastructure in the marine services industry globally.

Today, with the adoption of each Clearbot, we are able to help organizations make sustainable choices with the additional benefits of:
– reduced costs;
– reduced need for manpower; and
– improved track-ability of impact

Supporting Organization

WHAT IS WHOSIFY
WHOSIFY is a contactless smart business card
that enables effortless sharing of your
contact and social details.                     

WE HELP STOP CUTTING DOWN TREES
WHOSIFY also support sustainability
by reducing usage for traditional cards.                                  

Whosify.io

Co-founder, WHOSIFY

Miss Hong Kong 2020

Lisa Marie Tse

Organizer

Supporting Organizations

Screenshot 2024-09-16 104612
WhatsApp Image 2024-09-14 at 10.09.18 AM