Gist of the First Meeting held on 17 March 2017

1. Brown Root Rot (BRR) Disease Management Strategy
   Members specialised in forest pathology and BRR disease shared knowledge and practices on BRR disease management around the world, and ways in which local policies and practices in managing the disease can be enhanced. The practicalities of containment measures in Hong Kong, infection rate of BRR disease among Hong Kong’s more susceptible species, impacts of BRR disease on the urban landscape, as well as greater adoption of international practices and knowledge-sharing in Hong Kong were comprehensively discussed.

   The integration of forest pathology expertise and on-ground practical management strategies was a core focus, along with the on-going risks associated with leaving infected trees in a dense and compact urban landscape such as Hong Kong. Key issues included infection of surrounding vegetation; soils; airborne spores; magnitude of risks and requirements to decontaminate and sanitise infected sites.

2. Tree Lifecycle Planning
   Members welcomed the proposed development and implementation of a strategic and proactive approach to managing the city’s urban forest assets. The approach focused on the lifecycle planning of urban forests in cities and considered a holistic approach to the ecological health, resilience and on-going sustainability of urban forest assets.

   Members also shared the experience in development of a robust Urban Forest Strategy in the City of Melbourne, Australia. The strategy was underpinned by scientific data of the City’s projected life-cycle of their urban forest assets. It forms part of a proactive approach to the replenishment and regeneration of their urban forest stock and allows for short, medium and long-term planning to build a sustainable urban forest. Key elements included water sensitive urban design; removal of inappropriate species; enrichment of species diversity; natural bushland ecology in the city; pest and disease management; and landscape architecture.

3. Training and Public Education on Urban Forestry Management
   Members shared their international, regional and local experiences and practices and provided recommendations to strengthen the partnerships with the public, professional organisations, educational institutes, trade unions and interest groups to provide education outreach and technical training on urban forestry.

   A range of training opportunities from managerial to frontline staff were discussed, along with applied research and development opportunities. Specialist project investigations would be conducted to develop a robust and practical knowledge-base on urban forestry; urban arboriculture; urban ecology; soil science; forest pathology; BRR disease and species varietals.

   On public education and awareness, there was unanimous consensus on the importance of positive messaging and environmental stewardship through inspiration and positive engagement. Members shared experiences on the impacts from negative criticisms and those that ‘constantly complain’. Though acknowledging there will always be that element, focus should remain on proactive positive community engagement, in particular professionals from diverse disciplines to correct misconception and reinforce a holistic approach to urban forestry and urban landscapes. A range of ideas were suggested – noting relevance, timing and appropriateness to Hong Kong.
4. Development of a Qualifications Framework (QF) for Arboriculture and Horticulture Industry
   Members welcomed the GLTMS’s initiative with Education Bureau in the development of the QF, specifically the Specification of Competency Standards. Members also shared their views on positive capacity building and their international experiences on the development of qualification framework in their industries. Members noted the Monday 20 March session with teaching and training organisations; facilitated by the GLTMS to connect local, regional and international expertise to explore collaborative opportunities and enhance programmes. Discussions from the session will be consolidated for distribution including organisations who could not attend.