TAI PO, Hong Kong — Tucked away in the lush suburbs of Tai Po, roughly 2 kilometers from the bustling town center, Fung Yuen is emerging as a cornerstone of Hong Kong’s ecological renaissance. Designated as one of 12 priority sites under the government’s New Nature Conservation Policy, this serene enclave is home to the Fung Yuen Butterfly Reserve, a thriving sanctuary managed by the Environmental Association. What began as a modest habitat hosting 70 to 80 butterfly species two decades ago has blossomed into a biodiversity hotspot, now boasting over 220 species—nearly 90% of all butterflies found across Hong Kong.
The reserve’s success is no accident. It’s the result of meticulous conservation efforts now poised to leap into the future with the integration of cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI). This innovative step, announced by Environmental Association Chief Executive Officer Yau Wing-kwong, aims to revolutionize how Hong Kong protects its delicate ecosystems.
A Technological Leap for Nature
Hong Kong’s butterfly population is as diverse as it is dazzling, with over 200 species displaying unique patterns and seasonal variations. “Some species look entirely different between the dry and wet seasons,” Yau explained. “Trying to identify them by flipping through reference books is a daunting task.” Enter the AI-powered identification system, a game-changer still in its infancy but already showing promise. Currently capable of recognizing 10 species—including the striking Danaus genutia, or common tiger butterfly—with pinpoint accuracy, the system is slated to expand its database to 245 species within two years.
Once fully operational, this technology will go public, inviting citizens to snap photos of butterflies in their neighborhoods and upload them for instant identification and ecological insights. But the vision extends far beyond a digital field guide. “At a later stage, we’ll use it for conservation analysis,” Yau said. Picture this: cameras stationed in butterfly gardens, silently capturing images, feeding data into the AI to track species diversity, plant interactions, and environmental health—all in real time. “It will boost our efficiency and cut down on manpower,” he added, painting a picture of a leaner, smarter approach to conservation.
Funding the Future
This ambitious project isn’t flying solo. The Environmental Association has secured critical support from the Environment & Conservation Fund and the Countryside Conservation Funding Scheme, fueling both the Nature Conservation Management Agreement Project at Fung Yuen and the AI system’s development. “Conservation work needs money and resources,” Yau said, nodding to the government’s backing. “We’re grateful for their efforts, both in funding and support.”
The Countryside Conservation Funding Scheme, launched in October 2019 by the Countryside Conservation Office under the Environment & Ecology Bureau, has been a lifeline for such initiatives. By the end of 2024, it had greenlit 50 projects with a combined investment of $270 million, a testament to Hong Kong’s commitment to sustainable rural development.
A Haven for Biodiversity
The impact of these efforts is tangible. Matthew Tang, Countryside Conservation Manager at the Environment & Ecology Bureau, highlighted the scope of the funded projects, which range from nature conservation to countryside revitalization. At Fung Yuen and beyond, nature conservation management agreements now safeguard approximately 560 hectares of wetlands and 10 hectares of traditional farmland. These high-quality habitats nurture a rich tapestry of life, from butterflies to other protected and newly discovered species.
“These projects don’t just maintain species numbers—they enhance the ecological value of our conservation sites,” Tang said. The proof is in the numbers: Fung Yuen’s butterfly count has tripled over 20 years, a vivid marker of success.
A Model for Tomorrow
As the AI system evolves, Fung Yuen stands as a beacon of what’s possible when tradition meets technology. For Yau and his team, it’s about more than preserving butterflies—it’s about building a framework for conservation that others can replicate. “This is how we’ll do conservation work in the future,” he said, his optimism as vibrant as the wings fluttering through Fung Yuen’s gardens.
For now, the reserve remains a quiet triumph, its trails alive with color and possibility. With government support and a technological edge, Fung Yuen isn’t just surviving—it’s soaring.
