Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said on Tuesday (Oct. 14) that the government will enhance the management of popular natural attractions to ensure environmental protection, following reports of littering and wildlife disturbance at Sharp Island in Sai Kung during the recent National Day-Mid-Autumn Festival holiday period.
Speaking before the Executive Council meeting, Lee stated that the government attaches great importance to environmental protection and will strengthen management to ensure necessary conservation while balancing tourism development. He noted that the Chief Secretary for Administration had coordinated various departments before the holiday to ensure visitor safety and positive experiences, achieving the intended results.
Lee acknowledged that Hong Kong's high-quality ecological environments attract both residents and tourists. The government will implement advanced arrangements during expected peak periods, including joint operations at popular country spots, installing more signage urging environmental protection, enhancing site cleanup, and cracking down on violations.
To strengthen ecological conservation, relevant departments are studying the carrying capacity of country sites to develop corresponding control measures and improve management. The government is also reviewing transportation arrangements for various locations for long-term planning.
Lee emphasized the importance of protecting marine ecology, revealing that the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department is comprehensively studying the possibility of incorporating ecologically important areas into the Marine Parks protection system.
He also highlighted the significance of publicity and education, stating that the government will use social media platforms to promote environmental protection messages to visitors. The AFCD will continue to remind country park visitors and tourists to comply with ecological protection requirements through various channels and has already conducted targeted education for kaito operators serving Sharp Island, snorkelers, and visitors.
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