Editorial | Hong Kong land swap deals can help protect heritage
- As the preservation of an ecologically sensitive city site has shown, such agreements may benefit both environmentalists and developers
Hong Kong’s strong appetite for development is taking its toll on nature and heritage, as reflected in the loss of historic buildings and rare wildlife across the city over the years. But this need not be the case when a sound policy is in place to strike the right balance.
The landmark land swap deal with a private developer to preserve an ecologically sensitive site in Sha Lo Tung is a case in point.
Home to many rare species, including butterflies, fireflies, freshwater fish, amphibians and birds, the site is known as the city’s most ecologically rich, after the internationally important Mai Po and Inner Deep Bay Ramsar site. Thanks to an initial land exchange deal in 2017 with a company holding most of the land, a massive golf course project was put on hold.
The developer later gave up some 20 hectares of site in return for 50 hectares of land in Tai Po, with a reduced land premium, to proceed with the golf course.
Officials have pledged to strike a balance between conservation and enabling the public to enjoy the scenery. The site is to be divided into different habitat zones and may only be accessed by foot to minimise human impact.
There are also plans to enhance biodiversity, restore abandoned farmland and remove exotic species.