Sino Group wins ESG Initiative of the Year - Hong Kong at Real Estate Asia Awards 2023

The project showcases innovation, engagement, and education for a sustainable future.

Sino Group, a renowned property developer in Hong Kong, has been honoured with the ESG Initiative of the Year - Hong Kong award at the Real Estate Asia Awards 2023. This prestigious accolade recognises Sino Group's outstanding commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices through its groundbreaking project called CORAL REEFStoration. In collaboration with the Hong Kong Innovation Foundation, Ocean Park, Archireef, and The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong, Sino Group has pioneered Hong Kong's first cross-sector collaborative effort for local coral conservation and restoration.

Launched in September 2022, CORAL REEFStoration focuses on innovation, biodiversity, conservation, and engagement. It aims to address the threats faced by Hong Kong's delicate coral ecosystems due to environmental changes and human activities. The project has three primary objectives: restoring and rehabilitating coral reef habitats, establishing an ecotourism destination for public education, and promoting conservation awareness through educational programmes.

CORAL REEFStoration utilises the world's first 3D-printed terracotta reef tiles, a groundbreaking solution for coral rehabilitation. Developed by Archireef, an environmental-social enterprise of the University of Hong Kong, these tiles offer a highly bio-compatible surface that allows coral fragments to attach easily. With a design that prevents sedimentation, the reef tiles create an ideal habitat for marine organisms and significantly improve the chances of coral survival. Compared to traditional tiles, the 3D-printed reef tiles have demonstrated an impressive 98% coral survival rate, making them four times more effective.

The project aims to restore 20 square metres of artificial reefs by seeding them with over 120 pieces of rescued coral fragments over the next three years. To ensure the success of the restoration, ongoing monitoring through site inspections, maintenance checks, and underwater filming is conducted. Additionally, a coral nursery facility has been established at Ocean Park's Grand Aquarium to support the rehabilitation work, providing a home for up to 150 coral fragments.

CORAL REEFStoration goes beyond conservation by actively engaging the community. The project launched the "CORAL REEFStoration Ambassador Programme," recruiting 100 passionate students aged 8-13 to become ambassadors for coral conservation. These students participate in online seminars hosted by professionals, visit Ocean Park's Grand Aquarium to observe coral habitats, and use their acquired knowledge and skills to promote coral conservation in their schools. Ten outstanding students have been selected as "Star Coral REEFStorators," gaining in-depth knowledge of coral conservation through interactive experiences. A Coral REEFStoration Centre at Ocean Park will also be launched this summer, offering a series of interactive activities to engage and inspire the public about coral restoration.

The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong, in collaboration with Archireef, offers coral-themed activities for children aged 5 to 12. Activities such as the "Coral Surveyor" and "Make Your Own Reef" workshops encourage early participation in environmental protection. To spread the message of marine conservation, coasters and postcards are placed in all hotel rooms, inviting guests to become ambassadors themselves.

The CORAL REEFStoration project has made significant strides in local coral conservation and restoration, earning the prestigious ESG Initiative of the Year award at the Real Estate Asia Awards 2023. By leveraging innovative 3D-printed reef tiles and fostering community engagement and education, Sino Group has set a benchmark for cross-sector collaboration in environmental initiatives. As Hong Kong continues to face environmental challenges, the CORAL REEFStoration project serves as an inspiring example of how innovative solutions and partnerships can contribute to a better future for our natural environment.