Advertisement
Advertisement

Swift government action can save our wonderful country parks

It is time that our government and the general public appreciated that we need to save Hong Kong's country parks as we know them.

Within these parks are many plots of agricultural land, not governed by the Agricultural, Fisheries and Conservation Department, which have remained untouched for decades. The indigenous owners have every right to sell the leases of these plots when they see fit; unfortunately, they seem to prefer to sell them to property developers.

October's edition of the magazine Explore Sai Kung highlights the threat Sai Kung Country Park is under with sizeable chunks of agricultural land reportedly under offer to developers in the villages of Uk Tau, Ko Tong, Tai Tan, Hoi Ha and To Kwa Peng.

This is just an example of what is happening in Sai Kung Country Park. This could well be happening throughout the park system in Hong Kong.

These parks are Hong Kong's lungs and the keeper of sanity for many who hike in them, to release the pressure of daily life in Hong Kong and to get far away from the concrete jungle.

In his annual policy address last month, the chief executive stated that he and his government had made the environment their highest priority. Can he please let us know, through these columns, what comprehensive plan the government has to ensure that Hong Kong's wonderful park system is preserved forever?

It is to be expected that the indigenous villagers wish to profit from the sale of this land, which is rightfully theirs. But, to ensure it is not developed, I suggest the government buys up all the leases of agricultural land and incorporates these into the park system, to ensure it remains in good shape in perpetuity.

There is no time to waste if these parks are to be saved for future generations. Even though we are entering a possible recession, the government cannot delay. Throughout the last 100 years there have been a number of financial crises, but the economy has bounced back and will bounce back again in time, whereas if we lose the parks to developers, they are lost forever.

Henry Chan, North Point

Post