Hoi Ha villagers angry over unauthorised camping

Residents of Sai Kung's scenic Hoi Ha village are up in arms about a spate of unauthorised camping, which they believe could endanger an ecologically sensitive marine park nearby.

In recent years, visitors have used a patch of grassy woodland in the area as a campsite, often leaving behind rubbish and the remains of campfires. Campers have reportedly been seen washing cutlery, spitting out toothpaste and defecating in an ecologically sensitive stream that flows into Hoi Ha Wan - a designated marine park and site of special scientific interest (SSSI).

"There is an excellent campsite a 15- to 20-minute walk away from Hoi Ha village … which has proper toilet and cooking facilities," said Nicola Newbery, chairwoman of concern group Friends of Hoi Ha. "There is no excuse for people camping in the wild and posing such a health risk in this environmentally sensitive area."

Hoi Ha is covered by interim planning rules but lax enforcement means they are easily flouted - especially if violations take place on or near private land.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department confirmed that it had received complaints about campers but it said the site was not in the country park nor was it an SSSI.

A spokeswoman said department officers visited the site and "no camping or related activity was observed". "We would refer environmental hygiene issues to the relevant government departments if the situation warranted it," she said. "Appropriate enforcement action will be taken if we find illegal activity."