Letters | How the ‘eco-recreation’ proposal threatens Lantau’s ecology

Readers discuss limiting the scale of recreational development on Lantau, giving away unused government vehicles, electrifying transport in the city, and when the property slump could bottom out

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Clean-up workers walk along Cheung Sha Beach on Lantau on May 28. Photo: Eugene Lee

Published: 11:30am, 6 Aug 2024

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The Hong Kong government has proposed an “eco-recreation corridor” for South Lantau, and invited the public to submit comments in a two-month window that ended in late July. Having reviewed the proposal, we are concerned that it may turn out to be at odds with the long-emphasised principle of “development in the North, conservation in the South”.

The principle was intended to strike a balance between development and conservation. The latest study recommendations, however, propose a large amount of tourist and leisure infrastructure, public transport and related facilities in the south, and have not adequately taken into account the ecological, sociocultural and psychological carrying capacity of the local area.

There has already been a significant increase in illegal construction and waste dumping near the wetlands in recent years. Meanwhile, effective enforcement by the authorities seems to be lacking. The new proposal for South Lantau may just add to the existing problems.

The proposed trail in the form of a treetop walkway to connect Pui O Beach with the catchwater channel on the hillside seems to be a large and artificial construction project that would destroy the ecology of the hillside – when the existing 11th section of Lantau Trail is easily accessible from Pui O.

The proposed barrier-free beach walk for Cheung Sha, one of the longest beaches in Hong Kong, may destroy the unique landscape. While we agree with the need for more barrier-free access, this should be built outside the existing beach area. This area is also a key habitat of finless porpoises. The proposed new pier at Cheung Sha would bring about water and noise pollution, with the movement of ferries and boats also impacting species in the area.