In a significant achievement for Prof. LIU Hongbin, Chair Professor of Department of Ocean Science (OCES), has been awarded funding from the Research Grants Council (RGC) to explore the vital role of coastal ecosystems in carbon sequestration.
This funding is provided under the Strategic Topics Grant (STG) — a flagship initiative of the RGC administered by the University Grants Committee (UGC). The STG is designed to support collaborative, interdisciplinary research in strategic areas that address Hong Kong’s most pressing challenges and harness emerging opportunities.
Prof. Liu’s research will explore how coastal environments such as mangroves, seagrasses, and tidal marshes contribute to carbon capture and storage, offering valuable insights into climate mitigation strategies and sustainable coastal management.
This achievement not only highlights Prof. Liu’s leadership in marine science but also reinforces OCES’s commitment to advancing impactful research that supports environmental resilience and policy innovation.
Project Overview
Title: Coastal Blue Carbon Ecosystems in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area: Carbon Sequestration Capacity, Biogeochemical and Microbial Processes, and Control Mechanisms
Details: Through investigation the carbon sequestration potential of coastal ecosystems like mangroves and seagrasses in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, the research will analyze these ecosystems’ capacity to store carbon while facing environmental threats, develop restoration strategies, and create models to predict their contribution to achieving carbon neutrality goals.
Approved Budget: HKD$31.0 million (including funding from RGC and matching fund from universities concerned)
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Professor Liu on receiving this prestigious award. We eagerly anticipate the valuable insights his research team will generate, contributing meaningfully to Hong Kong’s sustainability and climate resilience efforts.