The Three Principles of Tree Preservation

Prof. Lam Kin-che on Campus Trees and Environmental Conservation

As an environment specialist, Prof. Lam Kin-che, chairman of the University Steering Committee on the Environment, believes that having a policy on different aspects of the environment is crucial. He said, Why should there be a policy ? Because it points us to where we should be heading and shows us how to get there. It provides a framework for discussion and minimizes misunderstanding and conflicts. Having said that, I must also stress that different views are inevitable when it comes to environmental issues. This is because they are not only about science; they involve mediating between different value systems. Purely scientific problems can at least be verified and lead to relatively unambiguous answers. With values, there are often a proliferation of views; the weight given to different views also varies among individuals. While this is natural, we should also encourage expression of opinion, respect differences, and find common ground among diverse views.'

Prof. Lam emphasizes the spirit of the University's environmental policy on tree preservation. He explains, If trees would be affected by a certain campus development project, we need to think hard on how to avoid the impact. It is only when impact is unavoidable then we think of ways to reduce it. And if the impact cannot be reduced, we need to make adequate provisions for compensation. Avoidance, minimization and compensation are the fundamental principles guiding every environmental protection policy.'

He adds that the implementation of these principles requires sufficient information and that is why the Steering Committee believes that a campus habitat map and database on flora and ecology is important. The database would contain details of the distribution, species and growth conditions of flora on campus. It would help the University to plan its development better. Prof. Lam is very pleased that the database proposed by the committee has received the active response and the support of the University'.

'Campus greening is one of the University's priority tasks; it is also an integral part of a green campus. I believe we need to work hard to build a sustainable campus environment. In terms of hardware, we can give more consideration to green buildings and on how to make even better use of solar energy; to promote energy conservation; reduce the emission of air pollutants by minimizing the use of cars, even school buses. In terms of software, we can seek ways to lower water and paper usage, besides conserving energy. We can also assume a more exalted perspective, i.e., that of sustainable development. One of the ideas behind sustainable development is concerted effort. We must all be environmentally conscious. I believe this is the direction the University can take.'