The United Nations defines ecotourism as “nature-based forms of tourism in which the main motivation of the tourists is the observation and appreciation of nature as well as the traditional cultures prevailing in natural areas”, generating economic benefits for host communities. Hence, there would be an emphasis on wildlife viewing, along with enhancements of natural habitats and integration with local communities. Right?
Wrong. Even though Shui Hau and Pui O rank among Hong Kong’s top 20 sites for bird diversity, there is nothing about birdwatching in the proposed Lantau “corridor”. Apart from a few proposals such as a treetop walkway in Pui O, the plan seems to largely focus on constructing buildings, piers and car parks to solely benefit humans.
Ideas even include a chairlift and a “luge” – surely not involving ice, but likely hurtling downhill on a sort of sledge on wheels – as well as catering and retail facilities and “quality holiday accommodation”.
Despite the “eco” in its name, the corridor does not evidently involve the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, but is the responsibility of the Civil Engineering and Development Department, which in 2017 established the Sustainable Lantau Office.
In August 2021, the department signed a HK$11 million consultancy agreement for an investigation study for “sustainable leisure and recreation initiatives” in Shek Pik and adjoining areas with Binnies Hong Kong – which on LinkedIn describes itself as “a multidisciplinary engineering consultant” that has “played a significant role in developing tailored infrastructure solutions”.
