Hong Kong green groups have urged authorities to conduct more in-depth ecological studies of a government plan to turn part of South Lantau into an “eco-recreation corridor”, days before a public consultation for the proposal wrapped up.
The environmental groups said on Wednesday that the development would threaten dolphin habitats and expose a herd of roughly 100 buffalo to tourists.
They stressed residents needed more information so they could make informed choices when offering input about the development.
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The government earlier this year proposed converting four rural areas on Lantau into a site offering “ecologically and naturally based sustainable” recreation, as well as educational resources and programmes. The two-month public consultation ends on Sunday.
Save Lantau Alliance convenor Eddie Tse Sai-kit said: “The plan suggested by the government lacks substance, as it did not fully provide detailed information about species found on South Lantau.”
As an example of the unreliability of the government information, South Lantau Buffalo Society chairwoman Jean Leung pointed to official figures that put the local population on South Lantau at more than 200, noting the number was inconsistent with the group’s own tally of a little over 100.
The Hong Kong Dolphin Conservation Society said about 34 of the mammals remained in local waters and warned the introduction of new ferry services to Cheung Sha under the proposal would threaten their habitat.
“The dolphins are quite timid and very sensitive to the environment, while increasing the frequency of scheduled ferries would further destroy and invade their habitat,” group vice-chairman Viena Mak said.
Under the proposed development, a new water sports and recreation centre and a barrier-free walkway will be set up along a 2km (1.24 mile) stretch of beach at Lower Cheung Sha.
The area will also be home to additional food and water sports rental facilities.
Upper Cheung Sha, meanwhile, will be developed into an “adventure” holiday area that offers rope courses, uphill chairlifts and accommodation.
A heritage trail will be also established and run along the city’s third-largest reservoir, teaching visitors about the community’s resettlement to allow for the massive water catchment site’s construction.
The government previously said it expected the finished eco-recreation corridor would bring an extra 4,000 to 6,000 visitors to South Lantau every day during holiday periods.
But Tse expressed concerns the proposed holiday space would only attract “check-box” travellers, referring to visitors focused on getting pictures of popular attractions rather than experiencing the local culture and environment.
Such an influx of travellers risked damaging the area’s various animal habitats, as many tourists would likely have little awareness about how to be environmentally friendly, he added.
“They leave behind garbage like camping tents and cause great damage to the environment,” Tse said.
More from South China Morning Post:
- Hong Kong’s South Lantau tourism planning to draw from mainland China, overseas: authorities
- Hong Kong lawmakers slam government over inaction in developing South Lantau, after authorities fail to deliver timeline
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