The launch of the Hong Kong Nature-based Solutions Design Guidelines (HKNbSDG) marks an important step in promoting the wider adoption of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in Hong Kong’s infrastructure and development projects. Jointly issued by the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) and Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) on March 3, 2026, the Guidelines provide practical planning and design guidance to help integrate ecological thinking, climate resilience, and sustainable development into project workflows. 

In this context, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has an important role to play. As demonstrated by Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, GIS can support restoration planning by recording tree locations and analyzing environmental factors such as slope, aspect, solar radiation, wind, temperature, and precipitation. By integrating these spatial layers, GIS enables practitioners to produce habitat zoning maps, assess habitat suitability, and support species distribution modelling under future climate scenarios. By bringing together terrain, climate, biodiversity, and field data in one spatial framework, GIS empowers better planning, more informed design, and more resilient outcomes for Hong Kong.

GIS-enabled mobile mapping and digital monitoring support more efficient data collection, improved accuracy, and adaptive management for Nature-based Solutions.

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