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Project Category
Research Activities on Countryside Conservation & Revitalisation

Rural Common for Countryside Revitalisation ∣ Rural Common: Interactive Platform for Countryside Revitalisation (Phase II)

Proponent: Make A Difference Institute Limited
Site: Lai Chi Wo, Mui Tsz Lam, Kop Tong, So Lo Pun, Siu Tan, Sam A, Ngau Shi Wu, Kuk Po, Fung Hang, Luk Keng, Ap Chau, Kat O

Project Description

The project organisation is committed to creating a one-stop information platform for countryside areas, integrating various online resources to facilitate overall planning and long-term development of the countryside conservation and revitalisation work.

The first phase of the project starts with 10 villages in the Sha Tau Kok area, collecting village stories and related countryside conservation projects, and establishing an online platform called "Rural Common". The platform presents information in a visually appealing, lively, and user-friendly manner, making it easy for the public to browse and follow. During the project, the organisation held a series of co-creation workshops, inviting various stakeholders such as villagers, tourism innovators, other project organisations of the Countryside Conservation Funding Scheme and hikers to participate. They discussed the framework and design of the website and collected their opinions.

The second phase of the project continues the objectives of the first phase, further expanding, deepening, and integrating existing countryside information, research, and village stories. The coverage extends beyond the 10 villages in Sha Tau Kok to include Kat O and Ap Chau, incorporating information and stories about the Tanka and Hoklo cultures. This enriches the content of the online platform, which now includes over 120 stories, covering themes such as rural development history, living customs, ecological resources, local events, and notable figures.

Browse Rural Common here: https://ruralcommon.hk/

Grant Approved

1st Phase: HK$3,000,000
2nd Phase: HK$3,000,000

Project Duration

1st Phase: 01/11/2021-31/03/2023
2nd Phase: 01/05/2023-31/07/2024

Project Update

The project was completed on 31 July 2024.

Project Outcome

Phase I project

The "Rural Common" platform introduces the public to the stories and developments of countryside conservation and revitalisation, in a lively and engaging manner, drawing their interest and attention. It also cultivates visitors' appreciation and respect for rural areas. At the same time, individuals who wish to contribute to countryside conservation and revitalisation can refer to the integrated resources on the platform for new inspirations.

Project Website & Social Media Platform

Project Video

Reflections from labbers of “Rural Common” - When visiting countryside areas as a guest, it’s the most important to respect and listen.
The video documentation on the process of how the labbers created the two new prototypes, namely "Lai Chi Wo Village Map" and the "Lai Chi Wo Chinese Happy Chess". It prompts us to reflect on the key aspects of countryside conservation—respect and listen to villagers, and avoid looking at the rural countryside from the perspectives of urban areas to achieve a win-win situation.
The starting point of the Rural Common co-creation team: co-create the past, present and future of countryside areas through storytelling.
The video introduces new elements of the Phase II "Rural Common" platform and the labber' vision behind the creation of a new prototype called "Kat O Reality Game", which is to attract more descendants of villagers and young tourists to come to Kat O, learn about its past stories, and connect with them, thereby co-building its future.