‘Conservation’ projects to drive human traffic? Only in Hong Kong | Tom Yam

Letter in today’s South China Morning Post, from long-time Occasional Reader Tom Yam

The government’s proclaimed plan for Lantau is “Development in the North; Conservation for the South”. Two proposals to develop South Lantau make a mockery of that promise of conservation and sustainability.

In one proposal, 8.5km of pristine coastline in South Lantau, from Pui O to Shui Hau, will be developed into an “eco-recreational” destination. This includes Cheung Sha, the longest sandy beach in Hong Kong, which is to become a “recreational hub” with campsites. Lower Cheung Sha’s 2km beach will feature a new water sports centre and a barrier-free walkway, with catering and equipment rental facilities. A hillside in Upper Cheung Sha will be an “adventure” playground, with ropeways, chairlifts and lodgings.

The Development Bureau estimates that upon completion of the proposed projects, an additional 4,000 to 6,000 visitors will descend on South Lantau during holidays, on top of the current 2,700. This must be the only “conservation” project in the world where the aim is to triple the amount of human traffic in a pristine natural environment.

The second proposal is even more egregious: that a long tunnel is to be built across Lantau, from south to north, via Discovery Bay, with the tunnel entrance at Silvermine Bay Beach in Mui Wo. This lovely public beach is not only popular with residents and visitors, but also a valuable habitat for wildlife. Such large-scale development threatens the coastal ecology – the wetlands and mangroves around the proposed site are home to marine and bird species, not to mention Lantau’s famous feral buffaloes.

As a huge traffic circle connecting south and north Lantau, Mui Wo would see its village character destroyed. Picturesque old villages near the tunnel entrance would have to be demolished. This historical area dates back to at least the 13th century – legend has it that the last Song emperor took refuge briefly in a Mui Wo village after fleeing from invading Mongols. More of Hong Kong’s heritage would be erased.

Under the government’s principle of conserving South Lantau, 8.5km of beautiful coastline is to become a theme park, Silvermine Bay Beach to become the mouth of a vehicular tunnel, and another historical corner of Hong Kong to vanish. With “conservation” like this, who needs development?

Tom Yam, Mui Wo