Hong Kong authorities will assess the capacity of some popular tourist hotspots and intensify efforts to educate visitors, aiming to balance environmental protection with tourism, following incidents of visitors trampling corals in a geopark during the “golden week” holiday.
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Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu revealed on Tuesday that his administration was conducting a study to include ecologically important sites within marine park protected areas for improved coastal conservation.
Lee announced the measures after a government investigation found that about four square metres (43 sq ft) of coral reefs at Sharp Island in Sai Kung were damaged by tourists during mainland China’s National Day “golden week” holiday earlier this month.
Tourists were observed trampling corals while snorkelling and digging up marine organisms. Environmentalists have warned that the damaged coral reefs in the Unesco-listed geopark could take years to recover.
Lee said Hong Kong boasts many attractive ecological environments that appealed to both locals and tourists, and the government would enhance management to “ensure necessary protection to the environment while maintaining balance.”
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“Relevant departments are studying popular tourist destinations to assess their carrying capacity, develop corresponding control measures, and strengthen management,” Lee said before meeting the Executive Council – the top decision-making body.
He added that transport arrangements at various locations were being reviewed as part of long-term planning.