Where’s the ‘eco’ in South Lantau’s eco-recreation plan?
There seems to be a greater emphasis on building tourist infrastructure than on conservation, and little effort to dovetail with local communities
The United Nations defines ecotourism as “nature-based forms of tourism in which the main motivation of the tourists is the observation and appreciation of nature as well as the traditional cultures prevailing in natural areas”, generating economic benefits for host communities. Hence, there would be an emphasis on wildlife viewing, along with enhancements of natural habitats and integration with local communities. Right?
Wrong. Even though Shui Hau and Pui O rank among Hong Kong’s top 20 sites for bird diversity, there is nothing about birdwatching in the proposed Lantau “corridor”. Apart from a few proposals such as a treetop walkway in Pui O, the plan seems to largely focus on constructing buildings, piers and car parks to solely benefit humans.