HK seeks public views as it looks to develop South Lantau as eco-tourism spot

The Hong Kong government is consulting the public's opinion on the proposed plan of creating a “Eco-recreation corridor” around Lantau Island’s Cheung Sha, Shui Hau, Shek Pik, and Pui O, which will involve F&B, sports and adventure facilities.

The public engagement exercise started on Tuesday and will last for two months, according to a document from the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD).

Based on the overarching principle of “Development in the North, Conservation for the South” embraced in the Sustainable Lantau Blueprint, the Sustainable Lantau Office (SLO) of the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) formulated the “Lantau Conservation and Recreation Masterplan” in 2020.

As such, the SLO conducted two studies to explore and propose to make good use of the natural and historical cultural resources in the South Lantau, including areas such as Cheung Sha, Shui Hau, Shek Pik and Pui O, for eco-tourism and sustainable recreational purposes.

The proposed plan looks to shape Cheung Sha into a recreation hub, providing facilities for both dynamic and sedentary activities for families and visitors of all ages. These activities range from thrilling adventures and surfing to leisure beach strolls, parent-child swimming, and sightseeing.

Proposed facilities include a visitor centre and retail and dining spaces. Other facilities such as Camp sites, water sports zones, hiking chairlifts, resort accommodation and leisure piers could appear along the coast if the proposal is given a go-ahead.

The proposal also suggested providing a heritage trail along the Shek Pik reservoir with the design concept of an open-air museum in mind. The planned trail will showcase the precious history of relocating Shek Pik Village to construct the reservoir and will connect to nearby monuments such as Shek Pik Rock Carving, allowing visitors to enhance their understanding of the history of the Shek Pik area while enjoying the scenery of the reservoir.

The proposal also looks to utilise Pui O to raise awareness of nature education. The authorities plan to provide a walkway on the western side of Pui O Bay, starting from Pui O Beach via the hiking trails, and then connecting to the catchwater channel on the hillside, with a treetop walkway. The walkway also serves as an outdoor classroom to introduce the ecology of local habitats and species.

According to the document, the studies also recommended developing ecologically and naturally based sustainable leisure and recreational facilities, which come in line with the “ecological value, geographical conditions, natural or historical and cultural resources, recreational features, development constraints” of the area.

"Through participation in ecology-based sustainable recreational and educational programmes, visitors can experience the nature and distinguishing features of different attractions, enjoy a diverse range of leisure and recreational experiences, enhance their understanding on the natural resources and historical culture of South Lantau. At the same time, public awareness on conservation can be raised and the local economy can be boosted," the document reads. 

Don’t miss: HK govt to reportedly transform Lau Fau Shan into eco-tourism hub

Similarly, back in February 2024, the government reportedly mulled transforming Lau Fau Shan (流浮山) into an eco-tourism hub to attract more tourists and develop an alternative tourism model beyond consumption visits.

Situated in Yuen Long, Lau Fau Shan is known for its oyster farming industry, characterised by numerous oyster beds along the shoreline. It is also a popular destination for visitors to enjoy fresh seafood at the local seafood stalls.

(Photo courtesy: AFCD's official website) 

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