Hong Kong’s first ‘eco-shoreline’ in Tung Chung will allow people to get close to nature, but can it replace habitats lost to land reclamation?

Coastal project involves 5km sea wall with a 3.8km stretch boasting special design to recreate natural tidal zone for marine animals

Entire installation will cost HK$660 million as part of Tung Chung New Town East extension

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‘Bio-blocks’ at a test site. The design is meant to attract marine animals living in the intertidal zone by mimicking their natural habitat. Photo: May Tse

Published: 7:00am, 23 Dec 2019Updated: 7:00am, 23 Dec 2019

A land reclamation project in Tung Chung touted as Hong Kong’s first “eco-shoreline” will boost marine biodiversity and give people the chance to get close to nature, according to authorities.

With concrete “bio-blocks” designed to serve as shelter for marine animals such as crabs and molluscs, the new 3.8km coastline aims to recreate natural habitats lost to land reclamation.

The project is part of the Tung Chung New Town East extension, which will cover 130 hectares and yield 40,000 flats. The entire swathe, which includes a second section to the west, is expected to house a population of 146,000.

A 15-metre installation in Siu Ho Wan near Tung Chung in northern Lantau Island was set up this month by the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) and will function as a test site for the eventual sea wall bordering the extension project.

(From left) Poon Wai-wing, Michael Fong and engineer Jason Cheung at the shoreline project. Photo: May Tse

“Besides increasing the biodiversity of the area, we also hope the project can bring Hongkongers closer to the sea,” CEDD’s Sustainable Lantau Office head Michael Fong Hok-shing said at a briefing on Thursday.