Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden
| Company type | Non-governmental organization |
|---|---|
| Industry | Environmental conservation, Education, Agriculture |
| Founded | 1956 |
| Founder | Kadoorie Agricultural Aid Association |
| Headquarters | Pak Ngau Shek, Hong Kong , Hong Kong |
Area served | Hong Kong, southern China |
Key people | Andrew McAulay (chairman), Wander Meijer (executive director) |
| Products | Biodiversity conservation, environmental education, sustainable agriculture programs |
| Website | www |
Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG) (), originally known as the Kadoorie Experimental and Extension Farm, was created to assist impoverished farmers in Hong Kong's New Territories. Over time, its mission has evolved to emphasize biodiversity protection and environmental education throughout Hong Kong and southern China. Situated near Pak Ngau Shek, the facility encompasses Kwun Yam Shan along with adjacent forests, streams, and terraced landscapes. Established in 1956 by the Kadoorie Agricultural Aid Association, it now combines efforts in nature preservation, native wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, as well as education on sustainable living. The site welcomes between 3,000 and 5,000 visitors each week.
History
In 1951, Lord Lawrence and Sir Horace Kadoorie founded the Kadoorie Agricultural Aid Association with the goal of fostering self-reliance among local farmers by providing training, agricultural resources, and interest-free loans. Five years later, they set up an experimental farm at Pak Ngau Shek to showcase techniques in crop cultivation, livestock management, and breed enhancement for both farmers and Gurkha soldiers. The farm developed specialized pig and chicken breeds adapted to local environmental conditions.
On 20 January 1995, the Legislative Council established the Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden Corporation, signaling a transition toward conserving plant and animal species, promoting organic farming, innovative education, and sustainability practices. The organization’s aim is to "harmonise our relationship with the environment." Andrew McAulay—descended from the founding family—currently serves as chairman, with Wander Meijer acting as executive director.
Programmes
The Education Department at KFBG provides activities such as tree planting, enhancement of wildlife habitats, art-based environmental workshops, and outreach programs targeting schools and community groups. Its approach to education is comprehensive, encouraging participants to explore the connections between humans and nature through artistic expression, inquiry-based learning, mindfulness practices, and empathy. Meanwhile, the Sustainable Living & Agriculture Department assists communities in adopting economically sustainable food system practices while minimizing the Farm’s environmental impact.
Biodiversity conservation initiatives include the Ecological Advisory Programme (initiated in 1998), which offers guidance to government agencies, NGOs, local villagers, consultants, researchers, and developers to shape conservation policies and implementation. The Fauna and Flora Conservation Departments manage wildlife rescue operations, ex-situ breeding programs, plant propagation efforts, alongside educational outreach. These activities integrate species protection with ecosystem management across KFBG’s 150-hectare property.
Since 1998, conservation efforts have extended into Mainland China. Initial biodiversity surveys conducted in Guangdong and Guangxi provinces paved the way for collaborative assessments within nature reserves across Hainan, Guangxi, and Guangdong. These studies document species distributions, conservation status, and threats concerning vertebrates, plants, dragonflies, ants, among other taxa. The China Programme also fostered communication among forest conservation stakeholders through its Living Forests publication and website.
From 2000 onwards, focus shifted towards assisting protected area managers and local communities in safeguarding critical habitats and species in Hainan and Guangxi. A significant project centers on Yinggeling National Nature Reserve within central Hainan’s tropical forests. Since 2003 KFBG has been actively engaged in conserving the critically endangered Hainan gibbon (Nomascus hainanus) at Hainan Bawangling National Nature Reserve. In 2011 the China Programme was renamed Kadoorie Conservation China.
Facilities
- T.S. Woo Memorial Pavilion
- Signpost Corner
- Jim Ades Raptor Sanctuary
- Insect House
- Piers Jacobs Wildlife Sanctuary
- Reptile Lookout
- Pigsties
- Sun Garden Animal Exhibit
- Native Mammal Display
- Amphibian and Reptile House
- Wildlife Walkthrough
- Monkey Haven
See also
- List of non-governmental organizations in the People's Republic of China
- Agriculture in Hong Kong
- Lions Nature Education Centre
- List of zoos
- Ocean Park Hong Kong