Hong Kong Quest
Hong Kong’s Earth Champions Quest brought together communities, organisations, and leaders to discover everyday changemakers and celebrate practical solutions for environmental resilience in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
In just eight weeks, hundreds of nominations revealed a powerful network of local action, proving that hope, leadership, and innovation already exist within the city.
WHY THIS QUEST MATTERED
Hong Kong faces intense environmental pressures, from air and water pollution to waste management, climate resilience, and rapid urban growth. These challenges affect not only ecosystems, but also public health, wellbeing, and community confidence.
At the same time, countless individuals and organisations across the city are working quietly to protect nature, support vulnerable communities, and develop sustainable solutions. Much of this work remains unseen, disconnected, and under-supported.
The Hong Kong Earth Champions Quest was created to uncover these hidden efforts, connect people across sectors, and build a shared understanding of what works, so that positive action could grow faster and reach further.
THE JOURNEY
The Quest began with an open call to the public, inviting residents, schools, businesses, and organisations to nominate individuals and projects making a real difference. The response was extraordinary.
Within just eight weeks, over 239 nominations were received, reflecting the depth of environmental leadership already present across Hong Kong. These nominations spanned a wide range of areas, including biodiversity protection, climate adaptation, waste reduction, community wellbeing, education, and sustainable innovation.
Each nomination represented a story of dedication, creativity, and care. Through interviews, research, and assessment, a diverse group of Earth Champions emerged, demonstrating how local knowledge and everyday commitment can drive meaningful change.
Alongside this discovery process, the programme produced Hong Kong’s first “State of the Local Planet Report,” offering a comprehensive snapshot of environmental performance and community action across the city. This created a powerful foundation for transparency, accountability, and future planning.
The Quest culminated in a city-wide celebration that brought together champions, partners, and supporters, highlighting achievements, sharing learning, and strengthening the sense of collective purpose.
IMPACT & OUTCOMES
The Hong Kong Earth Champions Quest delivered measurable impact across environmental, social, and community dimensions:
- 252 nominations received within eight weeks
- 116 Earth Champions recognised, spanning individuals, groups, and organisations. There were 48 outstanding Champions
- A city-wide environmental benchmark created through the State of the Local Planet Report
- Stronger cross-sector collaboration between communities, NGOs, educators, businesses, and policymakers
- Greater public awareness of practical, local environmental solutions
Beyond the numbers, the programme built trust, strengthened networks, and gave visibility to people whose work often goes unnoticed, reinforcing the belief that meaningful change is already happening.
“The Earth Champions Quest helped us see that so many people across Hong Kong care deeply about our environment. When these efforts are connected and celebrated, they create hope, momentum, and real change.”
LEGACY & WHAT CAME NEXT
The Hong Kong Earth Champions Quest did more than identify champions. It helped shape new conversations, partnerships, and priorities across the city.
The insights gained from the programme continue to inform environmental planning, education, and community engagement. By establishing shared benchmarks and strengthening connections, the Quest created a platform for long-term collaboration and continuous improvement.
Most importantly, it demonstrated that even in a dense, fast-moving global city, community-led action can flourish when people are invited to participate, recognised for their efforts, and supported to grow.
