"30 Years of Exploration and Conservation in China"
by
Wong How Man
on
Wednesday, 23 March 2005
2/F Sports House, So Kong Po, Causeway Bay
Drinks Reception 6.30 pm; Lecture 7.30 pm
We are delighted to welcome again Wong How Man, one of our most popular lecturers, to speak on his 30 years of exploration and conservation in China. Based on three decades of exploration and conservation, in this lecture Wong How Man describes the highlights of his discoveries in remote China, cutting a swath in time and space. From the cultural revolution to modern times, from Manchuria to the tropics and from the Tibetan plateau to the farthest corner of the Silk Road, Wong How Man has explored all regions of China. This includes wearing the triple hats of explorer, writer and photographer, while leading numerous expeditions, including six for the National Geographic. Wong How Man argues that where exploration ends, conservation should begin. A pioneer in equitable conservation complementing sustainable development, he believes in balancing economic welfare with both nature and culture conservation. In forming conservation models, Wong How Man uses innovative approaches to solving several problems at the same time. In the process, he has often unlocked hidden conservation potential or added value to the conservation process. In this lecture, Wong How Man uses recent projects to exemplify how the spirit of conservation in addition to exploration permeates every aspect of his recent work. Wong How Man is Chairman of the China Research & Exploration Society. Calling him "China's most accomplished living explorer", Time Magazine honoured Wong How Man as one of their 25 Asian Heroes in 2002. In a career spanning thirty years of exploration in remote China, Wong How Man is a veteran at the National Geographic, having led six major expeditions for the magazine. In 1985, he discovered a new source for the Yangtze River. In 1986, he founded the China Exploration & Research Society, which expanded his exploration work to conservation of China's natural and cultural heritage. He has authored many books and his work has been featured often on CNN, National Geographic Channel and many other media. Members and their guests are most welcome to attend this lecture, which is HK$50 for Members, $100 for Members' Guests and HK$150 for others.