Environmental Groups Urge Authorities to Rethink Eco-Tourism Plans

In a bold move, ten prominent environmental organizations, including Greenpeace and The Nature Conservancy, have rallied together to demand that local authorities align their eco-tourism plans with international standards. Their warning? If developers are prioritized over conservation, local communities and delicate ecosystems could face dire consequences.

The call to action comes in light of a controversial eco-tourism proposal submitted by real estate developers in April, which alarmingly included plans for private residential developments. These developments directly contradict the initial intentions of the 2024 development proposal set forth by the government.

Eco-Tourism Developments Expand Without Clarity

As the window closed for developers to submit their eco-tourism proposals in South Lantau and Northern Metropolis areas—namely Tsim Bei Tsui, Pak Nai, and Lau Fau Shan—concerns grew. The size of land earmarked for eco-tourism in Tsim Bei Tsui ballooned from 45 to a staggering 95 hectares. This dramatic increase has environmental advocates questioning the government’s commitment to genuine conservation efforts.

Alarmingly, plans for holiday accommodations and campsites spanning 300,000 square feet have been outlined within vital coastal protection zones and greenbelts. Furthermore, it was revealed that about 60% of the total area designated for Tsim Bei Tsui, Pak Nai, and Lau Fau Shan could fall under private residential development.

Public Consultation Questions Remain Unanswered

Environmental groups expressed their frustration over the uncertainty surrounding results from a recent public consultation, which have yet to be announced. This lack of transparency raises concerns about whether community input will factor into the government's planning decisions.

A Call for Genuine Conservation Measures

Hui Tin-yan, an assistant professor at Lingnan University, emphasized the urgency of implementing a conservation-focused policy, warning that without comprehensive measures, the eco-tourism initiative is destined to fail. The NGOs highlighted that the current plans lack specific targets for minimizing disturbances and effectively integrating infrastructure with the natural environment.

Seeking Transparency and Genuine Engagement

Furthermore, the environmental organizations criticized the government for not clearly indicating whether revenue from eco-tourism would directly contribute to the management of natural reserves, as recommended by United Nations guidelines. Instead, they claim the plans seem heavily skewed towards development interests, neglecting the vital input from local communities.

In a collaborative report, Greenpeace and the Liber Research Community previously warned that the current eco-tourism strategies favor developer demands over natural conservation, allowing potential exploitation of ecologically sensitive lands.

Activists Demand Immediate Policy Changes

In light of these alarming revelations, the NGOs are calling for the immediate establishment of clear policy objectives, along with an inclusive public consultation process that genuinely involves citizens. They urge the government to eliminate any elements that conflict with conservation principles, particularly private developments that threaten ecological balance.