Opinion | Hong Kong must put ‘eco’ before ‘tourism’ in plans for coastal areas
The city’s plans for Tsim Bei Tsui and Pak Nai could boost its sustainability credentials, but a dedicated oversight structure is needed
These two sites, spanning 120 hectares bordering Deep Bay and including ecologically sensitive coastal wetlands, represent far more than just another development opportunity; they’re a test case for how Hong Kong can balance economic growth with environmental stewardship.
The conservatories are not just architectural showpieces; they are low-carbon structures that show how tourism infrastructure can contribute to sustainability goals. The project’s success comes from integrating environmental function into every design decision, not treating conservation as an afterthought.
At Sentosa, this idea is taken even further. With a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 while maintaining its position as a premier tourism destination, the island shows that environmental leadership and commercial success are not mutually exclusive. But achieving these two outcomes requires a different approach to governance – one that puts ecological outcomes at the centre of decision-making rather than as an afterthought.