SOME OF HONG KONG'S most historic beaches are among its most polluted, according to the think-tank Civic Exchange. In order to find out why and to promote public involvement in the clean-ups, the group has launched an Adopt-a-Beach programme.
After several months of canvassing businesses, residents and government departments over two pilot areas, the group followed up in June with the start of monthly clean-ups at Waterfall Bay Beach on the southern side of Hong Kong Island.
According to some historians, Hong Kong was named for the 'fragrant' waters coming from these falls. The ties to nearby Aberdeen, one of the island's oldest fishing villages, are beyond doubt, however. The clean-ups have drawn an average of 20 volunteers each month, hauling in a total of 20 to 40 bags of rubbish each time, according to co-ordinator Toby Forster.
Today marks the start of monthly campaigns at Tai Long Wan, another historic beach. An impressive 120 volunteers from Hong Yip Holdings, the building management unit of developer Sun Hung Kai, will hit the beach at 11am and stay until late afternoon.
Associate editor Anh-Thu Phan spoke to Civic Exchange founder Christine Loh Kung-wai to learn more about the Adopt-a-Beach programme.
Q: What is the idea behind the project?