Hong Kong authorities are reviewing whether a booking system and fees should be introduced for some popular country park sites after the Chinese New Year holiday rush. In a Facebook post, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said it stepped up site management in Sai Kung East Country Park from 14 February, focusing on protecting the area’s ecology while keeping campsites orderly and clean.
The department said it had prepared a management plan ahead of the holiday period. Measures included staff stationed at popular spots to provide visitor education, patrol and enforce rules, and support cleaning. Campers were also reminded to follow campsite rules and basic camping etiquette.
According to the department’s update, overall order and hygiene at popular scenic spots and designated camping areas remained broadly in line with expectations, with no serious damage or loss of control reported.
Officers said an evening patrol at Sai Wan campsite on 21 February found no illegal camping. Site checks on 22 February at Ham Tin Wan, Sai Wan and Long Ke Wan campsites also found conditions within expectations.
On 22 February, the department recorded 26 enforcement cases along MacLehose Trail Sections 1 and 2 and nearby designated campsites, including littering and lighting fires outside approved barbecue sites or campsites.
The government is now studying longer-term options for popular sites under the department, including whether to introduce a booking system and possible fees. A consultation with the Legislative Council is planned for the second half of the year as officials consider how to better protect the environment while managing visitor demand.
Last year, the Mid-Autumn Festival public holiday period also put pressure on Sai Kung’s marine environment, after Greenpeace reported around 4,000 visitors at Sharp Island alongside reef damage, litter and illegal fires.
Header Image Credit: ACFD