「2026 Biodiversity and Space Exposed Seeds Nursery Project」Launched 
35 Primary and Secondary Schools Embark on a Sustainable Future Planting Journey 
April 12, 2026 – In response to the 65th “United Nations International Day of Human Space Flight” (World Space Day), the “2026 Biodiversity and Space Exposed Seeds Nursery Project” hosted by the Hong Kong Institute of Education for Sustainable Development was officially launched at the Hong Kong Space Museum. This year, a total of 35 primary and secondary schools with over 60 teams received space-exposed seeds to conduct planting experiments and interdisciplinary research. These students will be the pioneers to explore the integration of aerospace technology and biodiversity.
The kick-off ceremony was officiated by Mr. MA Wai Chung, Assistant Director (Agriculture) of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Professor Karen Cheung, President of UNESCO Hong Kong Association and Director of Hong Kong Institute of Education for Sustainable Development, Professor LAM Hon Ming, Director of the Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability of the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Director of the State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology (CUHK), Dr. SO Chu Wing, Curator (Space) of the Hong Kong Space Museum, Principal Mr. Ho Pui Sing, President of The Faculty of Education Alumni Association of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Mr. Dennis Lai, Vice-President of The Education University of Hong Kong Alumni Association. Together, they wrote down their encouraging messages on a “leaf,” symbolising the passing of responsibility and hope to the younger generation.
Professor Karen Cheung delivered the welcome address and a keynote speech on “Space Exposed Seeds and Sustainable Development.” She emphasised that this year marks the 65th anniversary of the UN’s celebration of World Space Day. Space technology is not only about exploring the universe but also addresses two core pillars of the UN Sustainable Development Goals – Goal 15: Life on Land and Goal 2: Zero Hunger – directly targeting biodiversity conservation and food security. Professor Cheung encouraged students to carefully record and observe, explore the infinite possibilities of seeds, and enhance their interdisciplinary learning and practical abilities through the project.
Mr. MA Wai Chung, delivered the officiating speech. He praised that the project responded to Hong Kong’s Blueprint for “Sustainable Development of Agriculture and Fisheries”, integrating innovative technology, science, and agriculture, and inspiring students to become future leaders of scientific research, contributing to China’s space and agricultural development.
Expert Lecture and School Sharing: Integrating Scientific Exploration with Planting Practice into Campus Life
Professor LAM Hon Ming gave a lecture on “Space Exposed Seeds and Biodiversity,” explaining in simple terms how the space environment induces genetic mutations in seeds and emphasizing the critical role of preserving seed genetic diversity in addressing future environmental challenges.
To help new participating schools better understand the implementation methods, the organisers invited three award-winning schools from the 2025 Biodiversity and Space Exposed Seeds Nursery Project to share their experiences – The Chinese YMCA Primary School, TWGHs Kwok Yat Wai College, and Yu Chun Keung Memorial College. Students shared their planting experiences and the process of data management, while teachers shared how the project can be expanded and integrated into biology, general studies, and interdisciplinary STEAM activities.
During the event, guests presented space-exposed seeds to the students, including space okra, space eggplant, space cucumber, space bitter melon, and space chilli peppers that had been carried on national space missions, along with corresponding earth seeds, enabling students to conduct comparative scientific experiments.
As the opening ceremony was held at the Hong Kong Space Museum, Professor Karen Cheung and Dr. SO Chu Wing led guests on a tour of the museum’s special exhibition “A Voyage to Space: China’s Manned Space Expedition”, which also featured content showing the Biodiversity and Space Exposed Seeds Nursery Project.
The organisers extend our sincere gratitude to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the UNESCO Hong Kong Association, the Hong Kong Seed Technology and Education Centre, the Hong Kong Space Museum, the Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology (CUHK), the Faculty of Education Alumni Association of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Education University of Hong Kong Alumni Association, and the Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers for their continued support.
List of Participating Schools:
Secondary Schools: Kowloon True Light School, The Chinese Foundation Secondary School, CCC Ming Kei College, Concordia Lutheran School (North Point), Yu Chun Keung Memorial College, Caritas Fanling Chan Chun Ha Secondary School, TWGHs Kwok Yat Wai College, HKSYC&IA Chan Nam Chong Memorial College, Society of Boys’ Centres Shing Tak Centre School, Hong Kong Red Cross Princess Alexandra School, Hong Kong Teachers’ Association Lee Heng Kwei Secondary School, Hong Kong Taoist Association Wun Tsuen School, The Hong Kong Management Association K S Lo College, HKMA David Li Kwok Po College, Hoi Ping Chamber of Commerce Secondary School, Ko Lui Secondary School, ELCHK Lutheran Academy, Hong Kong and Kowloon Kaifong Women’s Association Sun Fong Chung College, YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College, Shun Tak Fraternal Association Cheng Yu Tung Secondary School, St. Paul’s Secondary School, Pui Tak Canossian College, Lutheran School For The Deaf
Primary Schools: Kowloon City Baptist Church Hay Nien Primary School, St. Andrew’s Catholic Primary School, Ping Shek Estate Catholic Primary School, P.L.K. Mrs. Chan Nam Chong Memorial Primary School, Pui Ching Primary School, Hong Kong Taoist Association Wun Tsuen School, Baptist Hung Hin Shiu Rainbow Primary School, Bonham Road Government Primary School, Ma On Shan Ling Liang Primary School, The Mission Covenant Church Holm Glad Primary School, Pun U Association Wah Yan Primary School, Ho Lap Primary School (Sponsored by Sik Sik Yuen), Shau Kei Wan Government Primary School
Event Details: https://hiesd.org/wp/hk/spaceseeds2026/
Phone Inquiry: +852 2312 7696
Email: event@hiesd.org