"2025 Biodiversity Space-Exposed Seeds Nursery Programme" Launched to Celebrate the United Nations International Day of Human Space Flight
On 12 April 2025, the United Nations International Day of Human Space Flight, the "2025 Biodiversity Space-Exposed Seeds Nursery Programme" embarked on a new chapter. Nearly 300 students from 30 primary and secondary schools from Hong Kong and Macau received space-exposed seeds and will engage in six months of planting, observation, data recording, analysis, and multidimensional research to enhance interdisciplinary learning and practical skills. They will also prepare seed nomination reports to deepen their understanding of the value and significance of space-exposed seeds. The Programme is organised by the Hong Kong Institute of Education for Sustainable Development (HiESD), with support from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of the HKSAR Government, UNESCO Hong Kong Association (UHKA), The Chinese University of Hong Kong Faculty of Education Alumni Association, The Education University of Hong Kong Alumni Association, and the Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers.
To assist teachers and students in exploring different educational possibilities, directions and practical methods for implementing the Programme at school, The Chinese Foundation Secondary School, Salesian English School, and Chinese Y.M.C.A. Primary School were invited to showcase their planting outcomes. Principal Mr. Ho Tik-shun and Ms. Chan from The Chinese Foundation Secondary School shared their experiences on how the project aligns with the school’s overall strategy, and how they implemented classroom, co-curricular and project-based interdisciplinary learning, as well as sister school and cross-border exchanges.
This event celebrates the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and UNESCO, as well as the 25th anniversary of HiESD and UNESCO Hong Kong Association’s journey in promoting Education for Sustainable Development in Hong Kong. From establishing international networks and exchanges to building a lifelong learning system for Sustainable Development Goals, HiESD and UHKA keep pace with the times, responding to international actions and national/regional blueprints to carry out regional actions and international exchanges on Education for Sustainable Development. Through the “Biodiversity Space-Exposed Seeds Nursery Programme”, it is hoped that school teachers and students will deepen their understanding of aerospace technology and sustainable development, working together to “Plant the Seeds of Scientific Exploration to Build a STEAM Garden in Schools.”
