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Opinion
Alex Lo
My Take
Alex Lo

Let's look into 'brownfield' development in Hong Kong before plowing into greenbelts and country parks

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Hong Kong has 24 parks under the Country Parks Ordinance, meant for recreation and tourism. Photo: Martin Williams
Alex Lo
Alex Lo has been an SCMP columnist since 2012, covering major issues affecting Hong Kong and the rest of China.
It's puzzling why Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying is so keen on going after country parks for development. It's not like there are no other options. But every six months or so, he brings up the topic and then controversy ensures.
The latest has to do with a proposal from Our Hong Kong Foundation, a think tank founded by Leung's predecessor Tung Chee-hwa. It suggests a review of the ecological and practical value of all country parks, and integrating the findings in a comprehensive housing strategy.

READ MORE: Build homes on 'low eco value' Hong Kong parks, suggests Chief Executive CY Leung

Unlike many people, I certainly don't think country parks are sacrosanct. On the other hand, there are clear legal provisions for their protection, so any development cannot be carried out simply as an administrative measure.

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We have 24 parks under the Country Parks Ordinance. This law provides the authority to "encourage their use and development for purposes of recreation and tourism", "protect the vegetation and wildlife", and "preserve and maintain building sites of historic and cultural significance". The law explicitly states "[a] presumption against any new development".

"Brownfields" should be considered before even talking of using greenbelts and parks for housing. Photo: May Tse
"Brownfields" should be considered before even talking of using greenbelts and parks for housing. Photo: May Tse
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Lower on the totem pole are so-called greenbelts. Sites are so designated to help conserve "existing natural environment … at the urban fringe, to safeguard it from encroachment by urban-type development, and to provide additional outlets for passive recreational activities".

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