Hong Kong’s South Lantau ecotourism plans could harm environment: green groups

Hong Kong’s South Lantau ecotourism plans could be reduced to property projects that threaten the environment if authorities fail to set clear guidelines, green groups and academics have warned ahead of Wednesday’s deadline for developers to express their interest.

Greenpeace, the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society, seven other groups and an academic also said on Wednesday that the government’s approach, which includes allowing developers to propose ecotourism projects with residential developments, could violate principles set by the United Nations.

They said the UN principles included minimising negative impacts on nature and culture, noting the government had suggested building residential units in Pak Nai, Tsim Bei Tsui and nearby areas, which could cause ecological harm.

“The current plans lack a comprehensive vision without enough public consultation, with some residents living in South Lantau reporting that they have no knowledge of the detailed plans,” Greenpeace campaigner Ha Shun-kuen said.

“We worry that it would turn [the plan] into a developer-oriented project.”

While Greenpeace did not oppose the government’s development of ecotourism, it was mainly developers who were invited to express their interest, and the government did not reveal details of the public consultation held earlier, he added.