The Nature Conservancy Celebrates 10 Years as Sole Charity Partner of Barclays MoonTrekker

A Decade of Running for Nature Powers Conservation Across Asia Pacific 

HONG KONG, Oct. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- This year marks the 10^th anniversary of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) as the official and sole charity beneficiary of Barclays MoonTrekker, Hong Kong's most iconic overnight trail race. Held annually on the wild trails of Lantau Island, Barclays MoonTrekker is more than just a race – It's a powerful community movement that brings together outdoor adventurers, nature lovers, and changemakers for a shared cause: protecting our planet.

Each year, over thousands of participants take on the challenge of racing through the night to reach the summit of Lantau Peak by sunrise. With every step, they raised funds and awareness for TNC's conservation work across the Asia Pacific region – making Barclays MoonTrekker Hong Kong's only race that finishes with a view and a purpose.

"What began as a race among friends has become a community-powered platform for environmental impact," said William Sargent, Founder of Barclays MoonTrekker. "We've seen how this event inspires people to reconnect with nature, challenge themselves, and give back to the planet. Every runner, every step, every donation helps protect the planet. As we celebrate this milestone, we're motivated than ever to grow this partnership— to inspire more runners, raise greater support, and create an even bigger impact for the planet over the next 10 years."

10 Years of Support. 10 Years of Impact.

Since 2015, Barclays MoonTrekker participants and donors have helped fund TNC's science-based, community-led conservation programs across the Asia Pacific region and beyond. From ocean restoration in Hong Kong to forest protection in Borneo, these efforts are helping to address the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.

 "We are deeply grateful to Barclays MoonTrekker and its incredible community. said Anthony Gao, Executive Director for TNC Hong Kong and Regional Partnerships. "Their decade of support has helped us restore ecosystems, protect wildlife, and build resilience across Asia Pacific. I'm proud to join the race this year — not just as a runner, but as someone who's seen the real impact this partnership has made."

"As we celebrate this 10-year milestone, we're also looking ahead — to the next 10 years of partnership, progress, and purpose. Together, we can continue building a world where nature and people thrive."

Highlights of a Decade of Conservation Impact

Restoring Oyster Reefs in Hong KongJust north of the starting line in Mui Wo, Barclays MoonTrekker support is helping restore the health and resilience of Hong Kong's ecosystems. Through TNC's "Save Our Shells" initiative, discarded oyster shells from local restaurants are being repurposed to build new reef structures and deployed near the airport's Third Runway seawall. These reefs provide vital habitat, improve water quality, and help buffer against storm surges.

Although oyster reefs are among the world's most threatened marine habitats — with over 85% lost globally— early signs of recovery are already visible in Hong Kong. Marine life is beginning to return to these newly installed reefs, offering a hopeful glimpse of how quickly nature can bounce back when given the chance.

Pioneering Sustainable Forestry in BorneoWhile runners traverse the wilds of Lantau, critically endangered orangutans sleep safely in their nests in the forests of Borneo — thanks to Barclays MoonTrekker's support. In East Kalimantan, Indonesia, TNC and its local partner YKAN acquired a 44,400-hectare forest concession in 2023. These lands, once abandoned by timber companies, are now being managed for conservation and sustainable livelihoods, including low-impact logging, rattan harvesting, and ecotourism. This model is helping to redefine forestry across Indonesia.

Safeguarding Sea Turtles in the Solomon IslandsThe final stretch of Barclays MoonTrekker ends on the sands of Pui O Beach — a fitting reminder of the beaches in the Solomon Islands, where MoonTrekker funds have helped protect critically endangered hawksbill and leatherback turtles. Rising sea levels threaten to drown nests laid too close to shore. TNC trains local women as turtle rangers, empowering them to relocate at-risk nests and earn a sustainable income.

Preserving Mongolia's GrasslandsTNC is working with nomadic herders to protect 120 million acres of grasslands under the "30 by 30" goal — helping preserve one of the world's last intact temperate ecosystems while supporting traditional livelihoods.

Advancing Climate Resilience in IndiaBarclays MoonTrekker's support has helped advance nature-based solutions to address freshwater challenges and strengthen urban climate resilience in rapidly growing cities.

Empowering Women in Papua New Guinea & IndonesiaWomen-led mangrove restoration projects are helping buffer coastlines against climate change while creating sustainable income for local families.

Introducing "10 for Nature" Ambassadors — Hongkongers Running for Nature

To celebrate a decade of impact, TNC has invited a group of 10 passionate Hongkongers who are using their voices and platforms to inspire action for the planet. From hikers and runners to storytellers, these ambassadors come from all walks of life but share one purpose: to protect what they love through the power of storytelling and a deep connection with nature.

"As a first-time MoonTrekker participant, I didn't know much about TNC — but once I learned about their work, I felt inspired to take action. I reached out to my friends and family to donate, and even asked my workplace to consider matching donations to double the impact. I was overwhelmed by the generosity of those around me. It's incredible how one race can spark so much support." — Ruby Wong, investment professional and 10 for Nature ambassador

Celebrate 10 years of running for nature. Support The Nature Conservancy's vital work by donating to Barclays MoonTrekker 2025: https://barclays-moontrekker-2025.simplygiving.com/

Event Details

• Date: October 17–18, 2025
• Start Time: Between 10pm–11pm on Oct 17
• Routes: 20km (Intro), 30km, and 40km
• Finish Line: Pui O Beach, Lantau Island
• Fundraising: 100% goes to TNC

Together, We've Run Far — Let's Keep Running for Nature, for Tomorrow.

For media photos, please download from the LINK

About The Nature Conservancy Hong Kong (TNC)The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping to make cities more liveable. Working in more than 81 countries and territories, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. TNC has been in Asia Pacific for almost 30 years with projects in Australia, mainland China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Mongolia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. In 2019, TNC was awarded the Lui Che Woo Prize for Sustainable Development. To learn more. please visit:  Website: www.tnc.org.hk Facebook: TNC HK 大自然保護協會Instagram: @tnc_hk 

About Barclays MoontrekkerBarclays MoonTrekker is a unique overnight trail event in Hong Kong that challenges participants to reach the summit of Lantau Peak before sunrise. It offers three route options: 30km, 40km, or an introductory 20km route. The 30km and 40km routes summit Lantau Peak, Hong Kong's second highest mountain, allowing runners to witness stunning dawn views if they "beat the sun." The 20km route, introduced to encourage newcomers to trail events, is only open to first time MoonTrekkers and does not summit Lantau Peak. In addition to providing a thrilling experience, MoonTrekker is a major fundraising event that has raised over US$2.2 million for children's education and environmental conservation since its inception in 2009. Nominated for Hong Kong's best trail event, MoonTrekker guarantees an unparalleled experience by combining the challenge of overnight trail hiking/running, the opportunity to summit Lantau Peak for breathtaking dawn views, and the pertinent cause of raising funds for environmental sustainability. Its unique format has made it a standout event in Hong Kong's world-class trail running scene. To learn more, please visit: https://www.barclaysmoontrekker.com/

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