STORY: "Dr. Tree" greens Hong Kong's urban concrete jungle
SHOOTING TIME: Nov. 22, 2024
DATELINE: Dec. 23, 2024
LENGTH: 00:03:28
LOCATION: HONG KONG, China
CATEGORY: SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Jim Chi-yung working at his office
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): JIM CHI-YUNG, Research chair professor and advisor of Geography and Environmental Science at the Education University of Hong Kong
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): JIM CHI-YUNG, Research chair professor and advisor of Geography and Environmental Science at the Education University of Hong Kong

STORYLINE:

In the midst of Hong Kong's high-rises and concrete sprawl, where space for greenery is at a premium, there is a man who has spent the past forty-plus years preserving and creating pockets of nature in the most unexpected places.
   
Known affectionately as "Dr. Tree," Jim Chi-yung stands out as a champion of Hong Kong's green heritage. His pioneering work in urban forestry has helped transform the city's skyline into a greener, more sustainable space, offering a model for other cities grappling with the environmental challenges of rapid urbanization.

In September this year, a ranking by Stanford University named Jim the world's leading forestry scientist, out of more than 35,000 researchers. 

SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): JIM CHI-YUNG, Research chair professor and advisor of Geography and Environmental Science at the Education University of Hong Kong
"My lifelong research has been dedicated to bringing nature into urban areas on a large scale. This concept is known as urban ecology. I aim to preserve and enhance the presence of nature within cities. Additionally, in places where nature is lacking, I strive to create it. In Hong Kong, there is limited space for planting trees on the ground, but many buildings have unused rooftops. I perceive these empty rooftops as wasted opportunities and thus seek ways to green them."

Jim's efforts are particularly evident in his preservation of "champion trees" -- mature, often ancient specimens that form the backbone of Hong Kong's green heritage. Many of these trees, such as the century-old camphor trees on Haiphong Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, have become at stake amid urban expansion and typhoons. Fortunately, Jim came to their rescue with his expertise.

During his Ph.D. studies in the United Kingdom, Jim focused on soil science. Upon joining the University of Hong Kong after completing his studies, he faced challenges due to limited research activities and a lack of government funding in his field.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): JIM CHI-YUNG, Research chair professor and advisor of Geography and Environmental Science at the Education University of Hong Kong
"During my Ph.D. studies in the United Kingdom, I focused on soil science, specifically examining soil structure and its physical and chemical components. I explored ways to alter soil structure. After completing my studies, I was offered a position at the University of Hong Kong. At that time, the university had limited research activities, and the government did not allocate funds for faculty research. I approached the dean and expressed my desire to conduct research, requesting a small budget. The dean granted me 4,000 Hong Kong dollars (about 514.8 U.S. dollars). With this limited funding, I decided to pursue a research project that required minimal expenses. I relied on hard work and dedication. Every day, armed with a backpack and a bottle of water, I collected and assessed data of the trees one by one."

Jim has designed more than 20 green rooftops in Hong Kong, including projects for the University of Hong Kong and Tai Po Market Station.

At 71, Jim's work is as relevant as ever. His current projects include improving the microclimates in Hong Kong's cramped subdivided homes, where many low-income families live.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Hong Kong, China.
(XHTV)