Macao Makes Its Debut in Global Top 10 of the City Nature Challenge Over 1,700 Participants Promote the Scientific Digitization of Biodiversity Data
The award ceremony for the “2025 Macao Biodiversity Data Science Challenge,” co-organized by the Macao Science Center and Sands China Ltd., was held today (22 July) at the Conference Center of the Macao Science Center. The competition aimed to deepen public scientific understanding of biodiversity, promote citizen science practices, accumulate data resources for ecological research in Macao, and was conducted in parallel with the global City Nature Challenge. A total of 1,780 participants submitted 64,664 species observation records, helping Macao secure 7th place globally in number of observations and 8th place in number of species.
Mr. U Hon Sang, Board Member of Macao Science Center, noted in his speech that the event enabled the public to understand biodiversity through practical participation, helping eliminate species misconceptions and encouraging ecological conservation, while also enhancing science popularization education in Macao. He affirmed that the participants contributed valuable data to the biodiversity database, and the team competition showcased innovative thinking and environmental enthusiasm, sowing seeds of scientific exploration and ecological protection throughout society.
Mr. Choi Lap, Vice President of Procurement and Sustainability of Sands China Ltd., pointed out that biodiversity is a fundamental basis for sustainable human development. He emphasized that the biodiversity data recorded and analyzed by participants, along with their innovative conservation proposals, demonstrate the power of citizen science and the determination to protect the natural environment. He also thanked Macao Science Center for providing a platform for participants to showcase their creativity. Sands China Ltd. will continue to work with all sectors to contribute to protecting the planet’s ecosystems.
The competition comprised two main components: the Individual Challenge (Student, Open, and Sands Divisions) and the Team Challenge. During the four-day field observation period (25 to 28 April), participants recorded species distribution through the iNaturalist platform, achieving the following results: among 669 cities worldwide, Macao recorded 64,664 observations (7th place), 4,183 species (8th place), and 1,009 participants (20th place). Lee Chi of Yuet Wah College, Macau won the Gold Award in the Student Division of the Individual Challenge. Wong Un Kei and Fong Kuan Cheong won the Gold Awards in the Open Division and Sands Division, respectively.
The Team Challenge focused on biodiversity data analysis. Sacred Heart Canossian College (English Section) won the Gold Award, while Kwong Tai Middle School Macau and Saint Paul School, Macau won the Silver and Bronze Awards, respectively. In addition, Wong Un Kei, winner of the Open Division Gold Award, also claimed four Diversity Excellence Awards in the categories of birds, amphibians and reptiles, fish, and mammals. For more details, please refer to the “2025 Macao Biodiversity Data Science Challenge Winners List” on the Macao Science Center website (www.msc.org.mo).
Guests attending the “2025 Macao Biodiversity Data Science Challenge” award ceremony included: Mr. Cheang Kit Chio, Board Member of Macao Science Center Limited and Principal of Lou Hau High School; Mr. Lei Wing Hong, Executive Director of Operations of The Londoner Macao, Sands China Ltd.; Mr. Ng Man Chi, Director of Enterprise Architecture and Technology Governance; Mr. Lo Cheok Pan, Director of Housekeeping; Ms. Chio Kit, Deputy Director of Sustainability; Mr. Chan Kin Pong, Principal of Kwong Tai Middle School Macau; Mr. Kong Kai Hang, Vice Principal of Yuet Wah College, Macau; Ms. Vong Pui Man, Vice Principal of Sacred Heart Canossian College (English Section); Mr. Wu Wai Cheng, Assistant Vice Principal of Sheng Kung Hui Escola Choi Kou (Macau); Dr. Li Sheng, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; and Dr. Leong Chi Man, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Hong Kong Baptist University United International College.
Mr. U Hon Sang presented expert certificates to Dr. Li Sheng and Dr. Leong Chi Man.
Mr. Cheang Kit Chio, Principal of Lou Hau High School and Board Member of Macao Science Center, posed for a photo with the Student Division Gold Award winner.
Mr. Choi Lap, Vice President of Procurement and Sustainability of Sands China Ltd., took a commemorative photo with the Team Challenge Gold Award winners.
Group photo of all guests and awardees.
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Macao Science Center Limited
37-PR-PUB-2025
22 July 2025
