The City University of Hong Kong sets a positive example of how universities can equally contribute to the global efforts of tackling sustainability challenges
“What is the best way of producing meat from a global sustainability perspective?” asked Dirk Pfeiffer, Chow Tak Fung Chair Professor of One Health and director of the Centre for Applied One Health Research and Policy Advice at the City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK), during a panel session at the 2024 THE Global Sustainable Development Congress in Bangkok. The panel discussion, which was held in partnership with CityUHK, addressed pressing issues around sustainability and highlighted how the university’s efforts were aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The One Health paradigm formed the basis of CityUHK’s contributions to creating a sustainable environment, explained Pfeiffer. This paradigm recognised, he said, that everyone affects each other in the ecosystem, thereby encouraging a holistic understanding of the ecosystem. Sophie St-Hilaire, professor of aquatic animal health at the Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health at CityUHK, said that it was also vital to equip students with the skills to participate in this global contribution. She outlined examples of multidisciplinary courses that were integrated into the university’s veterinary programmes to enable students to understand aquaculture and local health issues.
She added that government grants supported the university to conduct workshops for industry partners, which also helps the university to track current market trends. “We’re trying to raise the farming knowledge at an industry level,” said St-Hilaire. CityUHK not only conducted research into fish farming but also collaborated with farmers to create innovative solutions to disinfect water and prevent diseases. The university’s subsidised veterinary services helped widen the students’ exposure to real-world challenges, the panel said.
Among the major challenges farmers face is food wastage, according to Ákos Kenéz, associate head and assistant professor at the Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health at CityUHK. One of the best ways to deal with food wastage is to reduce its sources and reuse it as animal feed, Kenéz said. He explained how the university’s new dairy farm not only widened students’ experiential learning but also reduced food wastage. By working with local bakeries, juice factories and breweries, the food waste collected could be reused as feed for cows, explained Kenéz.
Kai Liu, assistant professor at the Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health at CityUHK, explained that modern technologies could have a significant role in tackling sustainability challenges. Liu said that technology such as robots placed in pig farms provides data on any abnormal animal behaviour or events that unfold on the farms. Additionally, he said that AI could help monitor animal health and welfare conditions to plan timely interventions.
According to the panel, strong partnerships, modern technology integration and holistic approaches are key to tackling sustainable challenges. Universities could have a vital role in not only educating both students and the community but also creating environmental impact. “We need to continue to reflect and think critically about it,” concluded Pfeiffer.
The panel:
- Ákos Kenéz, associate head and assistant professor, Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, City University of Hong Kong
- Kai Liu, assistant professor, Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, City University of Hong Kong
- Dirk Pfeiffer, Chow Tak Fung Chair Professor of One Health and director, Centre for Applied One Health Research and Policy Advice, City University of Hong Kong
- Sophie St-Hilaire, professor, Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, City University of Hong Kong
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