“Oceans Tomorrow” is a programme created by National Geographic CreativeWorks with support and funding from Swire’s TrustTomorrow initiative. The programme has harnessed the talent of the global environmental advocate’s network of explorers and filmmakers to create a series of compelling videos that aim to re-invigorate the strong emotional connection between Hong Kong people and the marine environment. Over the past year, the Swire Trust has funded three films chronicling the incredible diversity found in Hong Kong waters. Featuring the work of local National Geographic Explorers, these videos are designed not only to educate and entertain, but also to inspire individuals, businesses, and policy makers to actively engage with marine conservation issues.
So far, the campaign has seen the launch of videos by Jon Cybulski and Stan Shea, as well as four short “Did you know?” video clips featuring different aspects of Hong Kong’s unique marine ecosystem. For historical ecologist Jon Cybulski, Hong Kong is the ideal place to study human influence on the natural world. Through his work at the Swire Institute of Marine Science (SWIMS), he hopes to help preserve coral communities by understanding how they have declined over time. Swire has a long history of supporting SWIMS, including funding the construction of the new research facility at Cape d’Aguilar, which opened in 2021.
Marine biologist Stan Shea aims to educate the public on the importance of sourcing sustainable seafood and to raise awareness of the problems the marine environment faces – before it is too late. When not passionately advocating for these causes, Stan is an avid diver, and is leading citizen scientist groups in the 114°E Hong Kong Reef Fish Survey for BLOOM Hong Kong. The Swire Trust has been funding this initiative to build a comprehensive and up-to-date record of reef fish species in Hong Kong waters since 2016.
Both Jon and Stan shared their work with Swire staff earlier this year, during virtual Lunch & Learn sessions.
The third and last Explorer video featuring Emmy Award-nominated filmmaker Laurel Chor, as well as more educational and engagement initiatives, are to follow.
