The lives below ground are often overlooked, yet soil animals are among nature’s most powerful detritivores and ecosystem engineers. We invite you to explore the fascinating world of soil animals and discover the hidden, vital links between belowground and aboveground ecosystems.

Join us for an online dialogue featuring Dr Law Man Suet Michelle, lecturer at the School of Life Sciences at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), and Dr Gary Ades, Head of Fauna Conservation Department at Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG), as they share their expert perspectives and insights.

In this talk, Michelle and Gary explore the crucial role of earthworms and the animals that they interact with on the forest floor. They discuss how the activities of these tiny underground creatures contribute to soil ecosystems and support the growth of aboveground plants and animals. The discussion also addresses the ecological benefits, the essential food chain links between the belowground world and the forest floor, and likely hardships imposed by seasonal changes and climate change.

Through a mixture of stories, science and expert observations, Gary and Michelle guide us to a deep exploration of life above and below the forest floor, inspiring us to appreciate and love the land beneath our feet.

KFBG 70th Anniversary – 70 years of love for people and nature

This talk is part of a curated series of in-house dialogues created to celebrate KFBG’s 70th anniversary. Running until the end of 2026, the series features lively and thought-provoking exchanges that highlight KFBG’s work in nature conservation, regenerative agriculture, sustainable living, and holistic education. These conversations provide spaces for reflection and shared learning, exploring how the legacy begun 70 years ago continues to evolve in response to today’s challenges, while staying true to its mission of fostering harmony between people and nature.

‘Loving the Land’ Talk Series Main Page

Speakers

Dr Law Man Suet Michelle

Dr Law Man Suet Michelle is currently lecturer at the School of Life Sciences at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), teaching biology and environmental sciences. She obtained her BSc and MPhil degrees at The University of Hong Kong and subsequently her PhD at CUHK. Her research interests are soil ecology and ecosystem functioning, and environmental education.

Michelle has been involved in the area of ecology and biodiversity and environmental education for almost 10 years and has contributed to different local green groups. She is also an ISA Certified Arborist and a holder of a Lantra Awards certificate (UK) in urban tree management.

Dr Gary Ades

Dr Ades has over 30 years of experience managing a wildlife rescue centre and conservation and education programmes for critically endangered species. He trained as a Zoologist and then undertook a short career as a secondary school teacher in the UK and Italy. After undertaking a study of local bats with the WWF HK in the 1990s he pursued a doctorate in wildlife ecology with the University of Hong Kong. 

Dr. Ades is a member of the IUCN Tortoise & Freshwater Turtle Advisory Group and sits on several government committees including the Animal Welfare Advisory Group (Legal Sub-group), the Environment Committee and the Wildlife Crime Task Force. He has also contributed to several Species Action Plans for Hong Kong. 

He also has a particular interest in wildlife conflict management and advises on wildlife friendly environmental planning, with the aim of promoting more informed decision making and minimising impacts on nature.

Facilitator

Ng Szeman Natalie（吳思敏）

Szeman worked for an international Green NGO as a community campaigner for several years. In 2013, she decided to further her understanding of the human-nature relationship. This led her to pursue a master's degree at the University of Freiburg, Germany, during which she conducted research in Argentina, Thailand, India and Italy on topics such as holistic sustainability, eco-village movements, spiritual ecology, healing in nature and Ecodharma. Afterwards, she worked as a programme manager in an Innovative Education NGO, facilitating training sessions and focusing on the processes of learning. Currently, Szeman works as a senior officer for the KFBG Kadoorie Earth Programme. Additionally, she is pursuing a master's programme in dharma psychology & philosophy, and leading groups that engage in natural healing and spiritual development during her leisure time.

Date
14 July 2026 (Tuesday)

Time
19:00-20:30 HKT (11:00 - 12:30 GMT)

Format
Zoom

Language
English (supports simultaneous interpretation in Cantonese and Putonghua)

Fee
Free (a donation to support our conservation work is appreciated) 

Donations help cover essential expenses such as speakers’ fees, translation services and other resources. Additional donations support KFBG‘s ecological conservation and holistic education work. Please donate within your means, or still join us even if you are unable to contribute. Together, we can foster a transformative shift towards an ecological perspective.

Application
Please click HERE for online registration by 19:00 HKT, 14 July 2026

Note
● You will receive an auto-reply confirmation email upon registration with the Zoom link attached.
● In case of cancellation, you will be notified in advance.

Enquiry
Email Ms Jamie Ngai at jamie.ngai@kfbg.org

Kadoorie Earth Programme (KEP) is co-created by KFBG and its network of collaborators and volunteers. By integrating the various strands of KFBG’s nature conservation, sustainable living and holistic education programmes, it provides life-transforming learning experiences that reconnect people with themselves, each other and the rest of nature and enable them to cultivate resilience in the face of climate crisis, economic uncertainty and other related challenges.

Kadoorie Earth Programme Main Page
KEP Talk Series Webpage:  2022  |  2023  |  2024  |  2025  |  2026