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Dr LK Ding was a
Founding Member of the Conservancy Association, Hong Kong’s first
green group. He became Chairman of the Association in 1973 and
presided over what has become the most critical period in the
development of the Association – and hence of Hong Kong’s
environmental movement.
Formed in 1968 by a group of expatriates, CA was initially an
issue-oriented pressure group relying on the energies and commitment
of a few individuals. Under Dr Ding’s Chairmanship, CA began to make
a substantial impact. For this was no ordinary chairman – he was
known for being well connected to the people, being already active
in various causes from workers’ rights to democracy.
The most visible change to CA under Dr Ding’s leadership was the
explosive growth in youth membership. Dr Ding has been unfailing in
his support to CA’s affiliate, the Youth Environment Action Group.
Three subsequent chairpersons of CA, including the present
chairlady, were YEAG members whom Dr Ding had personally guided in
one way or another.
Dr Ding became President in 1975 after being Chairman for several
years, but his presence in CA was as important as ever. In a very
practical way, he was among the most generous to the Association,
making more donations than a good number of companies, and offering
his clinic as a venue for CA to hold meetings. CA had its ups and
downs and at a moment of need in the 1980s it was Dr Ding who,
without hesitation, came to CA's rescue by providing a small room in
his former residence for CA to house its office, completely free of
charge, even though he had then long retired from CA.
But what is priceless is his generosity in giving time for CA’s
younger breed – CA’s earlier publications are filled with records of
secondary students interviewing their senior adviser on various
environmental issues, or of the apparently know-all doctor accepting
invitations to speak in various seminars or gatherings organized by
the energetic albeit sometimes naïve lot.
Dr Ding being a doctor, one could expect he made a big deal out of
the health effects of pollution. But he was also ahead of his times
in making a strong push on community participation – at the times
when elitism was the accepted rule. He also represented the
prophetic side of CA in championing a population policy for Hong
Kong. With his insistence on the importance of environment and
social development in our economic growth, a solid ground was laid
on CA’s subsequent advocacy on sustainable development.
By the time Dr Ding was stepping back from active involvement, CA
was a different Association from the early one he led. The agenda
was much more diversified; the members were younger and
predominantly local; the Association was increasingly professional,
but steadfastly, even stubbornly, taking the stand of the community.
Dr Ding Lik-kiu, the doctor from Sarawak who became a true
Hongkonger, will be fondly remembered by his former students and
colleagues in CA. He had made a difference to Hong Kong’s
environmental movement, as he had in many other areas in the social
development of Hong Kong. |
