Hongkongers see their trips to the countryside during holidays and at weekends as an opportunity to enjoy greenery and breathe fresh air.
One of their favourite haunts is Sai Kung, and the village of Pak Sha O has a rich ecological and cultural heritage.
Unfortunately, that appears to be under threat, thanks to a developer having bought land before the government could zone its use ("Developer's shadow hangs over Sai Kung village oasis", October 24).
You can see from photos that some damage has already been done, with about 3,000 square metres of rich wetland having been cleared and excavated.
I can understand conservationists' fears for the ecologically sensitive wetlands in this 100-year-old Hakka village and wildlife such as the endangered three-line Bagrid fish. What is happening in Pak Sha O could herald further development of un-zoned land in Sai Kung's country parks.
I appreciate that a shortage of land is a serious problem in Hong Kong, because it leads to a limited supply of housing. The government wants to see that supply increased. However, while it needs to solve the SAR's housing problems, this should not be done at the expense of sites like Pak Sha O, which are ecologically valuable.