Celebrate 10 years of Mandela Day this year by joining WWF-Hong Kong and giving your 67 minutes for a coastal cleanup and path restoration. Bring along family and friends to the Mandela Day and Big African Animal Fiesta summer weekend festival at Island House Conservation Studies Centre in Tai Po. There will be talks from conservation experts about how we can help endangered African animals under threat from wildlife crime. You can also sign up for eco-guided visits around the historic Island House and its gardens, watch a film screening or just browse through sustainable products in the green market. Guests can also try some snacks from South Africa and sample the food stalls with their complimentary coupons. Buy tickets here.
There can be no greater gift than that of giving one’s time and energy to help others without expecting anything in return. – Nelson Mandela
Event Details
Date: 13 or 14 July (Saturday and Sunday)
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ( join the fun at anytime )
Venue: Island House Conservation Studies Centre, Tai Po
Participants will receive a 30-day WWF-Hong Kong membership and two food and beverage coupons for use at the festival.
What is Mandela Day?
Mandela Day is held annually on 18 July. This day was officially declared in 2009 by the United Nations. The day honours the legacy of Nelson Mandela and serves as a global call to action for people to make an impact and transform the world around them. One minute is given for every year of public service that Nelson Mandela has given since 1942 when he started to campaign for the human rights of all South Africans.
Ticketing
| Category | Early Bird Offer (On or before 8 July) |
Regular price |
| Adults | HK$130 | HK$220 |
| Youth (Age 4-17) and Seniors (Age 60 or above) | N/A | HK$100 |
Activities
| Activities | Time | Duration | Pax |
| A Plastic Ocean screening* | 10:30am-5:00pm | 25 mins | – |
| Eco-visit: Coastline Discovery#* |
11:00am/2:00pm/3:30pm | 1 hour | 25 pax per tour |
| Eco-activity: Footpath and Garden Restoration#* | 11:00am/2:00pm/3:30pm | 1 hour | 25 pax per tour |
| Expert Sharing | 2pm | 30 mins | 25 pax |
| Sea Glass workshop* | 10:30am-5:00pm | 15-30 mins | – |
| DIY T-shirt to Tote Bag Workshop* | 10:30am-5:00pm | 15-30 mins | – |
# Aged 7 or above (Kids aged under 12 must be accompanied by an adult)
* Activities are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
More about Island House
Island House embodies a mixture of Chinese and Western influences characteristic of the city’s colonial-style architecture. It was built at the beginning of the 20th century as quarters for senior government officials. From the late 1940s to 1985 it served as the official residence of the District Commissioners for the New Territories. Island House was declared a heritage monument in 1983. In 1986, WWF-Hong Kong was awarded custodianship and has been responsible for maintaining its distinct cultural and natural heritage. This piece of living history is also home to 140 plant species, comprising a mixture of local and introduced species ranging from ferns to mature trees.
Activity Details
| 1. | A Plastic Ocean film screening The documentary investigates the devastating impact of plastic in our environment, particularly on marine life. Described by renowned naturalist Sir David Attenborough as “one of the most important films of our time”. |
| 2. | Eco-visit: Coastline Discovery Our eco-guide will take you on this one-hour visit to discover the historical changes along the coast of Tai Po. The tour includes hands-on activities to help participants understand the importance of protecting our coastal environment.• Discover the changes along the Tai Po coastline • Learn about the coastal ecology around Island House • Understand the importance of protecting our coastal environment |
| 3. | Eco-activity: Footpath and Garden Restoration Participants will gather in the garden for general landscape grooming and removal of unwanted plants and debris. |
| 4. | Expert sharing on what WWF is doing to tackle illegal wildlife trafficking by Conservation Director David Olson and how you can help support it. |
| 5. | Sea Glass Workshop As one of the most common types of marine litter, sea glass usually originates from broken glass bottles and other man-made glass products. During the workshop, participants learn how to upcycle sea glass and other marine debris and turn them into beautiful necklaces. |
| 6. | DIY T-shirt to Tote Bag Workshop Did you know your old T-shirts can be turned into new shopping bags? Sign up to learn how to make a reusable grocery bag and help keep more clothes out of landfills. |
Nearest parking available at Kwong Fok Estate. [Map]