On Wednesday, 24 July, the Entrepreneurs of Lantau had the pleasure of hosting Jenny Quinton, the passionate founder of Ark Eden. Jenny’s story is a remarkable tale of adventure, love, and dedication to environmental conservation. Here’s a glimpse into her journey and how she came to be a pivotal figure in preserving the natural beauty of Lantau and how you can help to preserve Lantau too!
A lively atmosphere filled the Entrepreneurs of Lantau event as we enjoyed an enlightening talk by Jenny Quinton, founder of Ark Eden. The room buzzed with enthusiasm as we learned about her inspiring journey to preserve Lantau’s natural beauty.
Jenny’s love for travel started early. Growing up with a father who worked in the airline industry, she had access to cheap tickets and embarked on her first solo travel adventure at the young age of 13. This early exposure to the world ignited a lifelong passion for exploring new places and cultures.
Jenny Quinton, the passionate founder of Ark Eden, beams with pride surrounded by the gloves that have helped her plant an incredible 38,000 indigenous trees in the Lantau countryside. Her infectious smile reflects her dedication to restoring the natural beauty of the region.
She lived and worked across various countries to fund her travels, eventually making her way to Asia and Australia. It was during her travels that she met her husband, and together, they set off on a new adventure with plans to visit Tibet. However, fate had other plans.
With mounting credit card debts, Jenny and her husband decided to stop in Hong Kong to earn some money before continuing their journey. Little did they know that this decision would change their lives forever. When they visited Lantau Island, it was love at first sight. The island’s natural beauty captivated them, and they knew this was where they wanted to build their lives.
A serene and tranquil scene unfolds through the lush canopy of Ark Eden’s forest. Sunlight filters through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor, creating a peaceful and inviting atmosphere.
One fateful day, while hiking up Lantau Peak, Jenny and her husband met someone who introduced them to what would become Ark Eden. As Jenny walked up the path to see the site, she felt an overwhelming sense of belonging. She knew she had found her true home.
Shortly after, their family grew with the arrival of their children, Adel and Angus. Jenny’s passion for the environment and her love for Lantau led her to establish Ark Eden, a project dedicated to educating the young, planting trees, and protecting the island’s natural beauty.
An adventure awaits! A retired bicycle equipped with an Ark Eden-box full of plants. The only way to reach the secluded sanctuary is by foot or by bike, promising a truly immersive experience in nature.
Since its inception, Ark Eden has made significant strides in environmental conservation on Lantau. Jenny and her team have planted over 38,000 trees, fostering a new generation’s understanding and appreciation of nature. Her work extends beyond tree planting; she has been a crucial advocate for the island, often working with and opposing the government to ensure Lantau remains the pristine paradise it is today.
A group of joyful children are immersed in a world of imagination as they climb and explore the towering trees of Ark Eden. Away from the digital distractions, they connect with nature, fostering creativity and a deep appreciation for the natural world.
Jenny also spoke about the importance of sustainable tourism for Lantau. She highlighted the need for development that prioritizes ecological preservation while supporting local businesses. This balanced approach ensures that Lantau’s natural beauty can be enjoyed by future generations without compromising its integrity.
Jenny’s story is not just about her journey; it’s about inspiring others to appreciate and protect the environment. Through her work at Ark Eden, she educates young people about the importance of conservation and empowers them to take action.
A group of inquisitive children are engrossed in an outdoor lesson at Ark Eden, surrounded by the lush greenery of South Lantau’s hills. With the towering trees providing a natural canopy, the young learners are immersed in nature as they discover the wonders of the environment.
Her talk at the Entrepreneurs of Lantau event was a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have on their community and the environment. Jenny’s dedication to Lantau is a testament to her love for the island and her commitment to preserving it for future generations.
As we reflect on Jenny’s journey, we are reminded of the importance of protecting our natural surroundings and the role we each play in this effort. Jenny Quinton’s story is an inspiration to all of us to take action and contribute to the preservation of our beautiful planet.
Join us in supporting Jenny Quinton and Ark Eden as they continue their mission to protect Lantau and educate future generations about the importance of environmental stewardship. Together, we can ensure that Lantau remains a beautiful and thriving natural treasure for years to come.
About the event
Welcome to Entrepreneurs of Lantau
Greetings from Jo Lodder & Jerome de Clarens! We’re thrilled to extend our warmest welcome to you in joining Entrepreneurs of Lantau. This is a community built on innovation, collaboration, and the vibrant spirit of entrepreneurship. Together, let’s explore new horizons, forge lasting connections, and embark on a journey of growth and success
Jo Lodder and Novy are a dynamic duo, each with their own remarkable contributions to the world. Jo is a trail runner, business leader, and philanthropist, known for his trailblazing spirit. He is the co-founder of JNW Asia, a prominent property marketing company based in Hong Kong that specializes in Niseko projects. Jo is also a master agent of SnowDog, a renowned hospitality brand. However, what truly sets him apart is his unique achievement: being the first person in history to conquer the HK5Trails in Hong Kong while championing the ‘Run for Freedom’ challenge to raise funds for charity.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-lodder/
Running – this is my training blog Strava: www.strava.com/athletes/jo_lodder
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/novys_kitchen/
SnowDog Chalets: www.snowdogchaletsniseko.com