{"id":2905,"date":"2024-07-25T18:51:51","date_gmt":"2024-07-25T10:51:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southlantaulife.com\/now\/?p=2905"},"modified":"2025-03-16T08:38:23","modified_gmt":"2025-03-16T00:38:23","slug":"2024-07-01-eco-recreation-corridor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southlantaulife.com\/now\/2024-07-01-eco-recreation-corridor\/","title":{"rendered":"South Lantau Tourism Corridor"},"content":{"rendered":"

We need your help and your voice and a few minutes of your time to ensure these magical places will be our legacy for your children.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Local organizations are submitting proposals and community leaders have been gathering to share notes after reviewing the plans. Several groups have submitted proposals to reduce the amount of concrete and foot traffic in some of the most vulnerable areas with high biodiversity.<\/p>\n

Closes: 5pm Sunday 28 July 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n

Local citizens who have put decades of volunteer time and effort into planting trees and cleaning beaches and building sanctuaries and protecting the beauty of South Lantau need your help and your voice and your comments to protect the largest natural habitat still remaining in our part of the world.<\/p>\n

Our goal is to provide residents and visitors with a relaxing and rejuvenating break in the most healing of spaces to take a time out from the urban jungle.<\/p>\n

We have magnificent mountain vistas, fresh river streams, shaded hiking trails, open green meadows, spectacular sandy beaches, choruses of birds, wildflowers, butterflies, frogs and plenty of fresh air.<\/p>\n

Escape the concrete jungle and heal in nature.<\/p>\n

Historical sites and ancient ruins dot the coastline and traditional practices are found next to modern lifestyle just around every corner.<\/p>\n

We live in a time of numbers and this is a time where the numbers matter.<\/p>\n

Whether or not you’re a resident or a regular, please take the survey.<\/p>\n

We live in a beautiful world.<\/p>\n

Help us to keep it that way.<\/p>\n

Every comment helps .<\/p>\n

Take the survey here<\/a><\/h2>\n

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The South Lantau Eco-recreation Corridor<\/a> is the first new development under the South Lantau Outline Zoning Plan<\/a> that was revised late last year.<\/p>\n

The Public Engagement Survey<\/a> closes at 5pm Sunday 28 July 2024<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Our own Jo Lodder writes about Preserving South Lantau’s Natural Beauty <\/a>in a post that beautifully\u00a0 captures our shared interest.<\/p>\n

Scroll down to see that info here on the government website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Take the survey here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Details below are taken from the Sustainable Lantau<\/a>\u00a0 website.<\/p>\n

Deadline for public comments:<\/h4>\n

28 July 2024<\/h2>\n

Please share this post and ask friends to complete the survey.<\/h6>\n

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<\/a>In the News<\/h2>\n

Hong Kong public not fully informed about damage eco-recreation area would bring: green groups<\/a> (SCMP – 25 July 2024)<\/p>\n

Lantau eco-corridor ‘will be an attraction’<\/a> (The Standard 11 June 2024)<\/p>\n

Public views sought on gov\u2019t plan to develop South Lantau with F&B, sports and recreation \u2018eco\u2019 facilities\u00a0 <\/span><\/a>— Hong Kong Free Press ( 28 May 2024)<\/p>\n

Hong Kong authorities to transform South Lantau into holiday spot featuring \u2018ecological\u2019, \u2018sustainable\u2019 facilities<\/a> (SCMP 27 May 2024)<\/p>\n

\u6c11\u9593\u5718\u9ad4\u6182\u5357\u5927\u5dbc\u767c\u5c55\u6dea\u300c\u6a02\u5712\u6253\u5361\u5f0f\u300d\u65c5\u904a \u7834\u58de\u751f\u614b\u74b0\u5883 Civil society groups worry that the development of southern Lantau will turn into a “park-in” tourist destination and damage the ecological environment<\/a> (inmediahk 25 July 2024)<\/p>\n

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Take the Survey<\/a>\r\nIn the News<\/a>\r\nThe Plan<\/a>\r\nResources & Articles<\/a>\r\nWatch the Video<\/a>\r\nRead the Paper<\/a>\r\nLearn More<\/a>\r\nOngoing Research<\/a><\/pre>\n
Please take the survey from wherever you are<\/a>.<\/h3>\n
 <\/p>\n
Last November, a few minor amendments to the South Lantau Outline Zoning Plan<\/a> opened the door for the concrete plans to come.<\/p>\n
The survey takes a few minutes t0 complete — take the survey here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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<\/a>Articles<\/h2>\n
Tread gently on Lantau eco-corridor plan<\/a> (The Standard 30 May 2024)<\/p>\n
Hong Kong to boost tourism with ‘eco-recreation corridor’ on South Lantau<\/a> (Asia Family Traveller 22 Jun 2024)<\/p>\n
Preserving South Lantau’s Natural Beauty<\/a> (Jo Lodder 25 July 2024)<\/p>\n
South Lantau Eco-Recreation Corridor is \u201cEco\u201d in Name Only<\/a> (HK Outdoors 25 July 2025)<\/p>\n
Lantau Connects<\/a> (Chinese)<\/p>\n
RESOURCES<\/h4>\n
Living Islands Movement<\/a><\/p>\n
South Lantau Buffalo Society<\/a><\/p>\n
Ark Eden<\/a><\/p>\n
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Take the Survey<\/a>\r\nIn the News<\/a>\r\nThe Plan<\/a>\r\nResources & Articles<\/a>\r\nWatch the Video<\/a>\r\nRead the Paper<\/a>\r\nLearn More<\/a>\r\nOngoing Research<\/a><\/pre>\n
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<\/a>The Plan<\/h2>\n
Take the Survey<\/a>\r\nIn the News<\/a>\r\nThe Plan<\/a>\r\nResources & Articles<\/a>\r\nWatch the Video<\/a>\r\nRead the Paper<\/a>\r\nLearn More<\/a>\r\nOngoing Research<\/a><\/pre>\n
From the website<\/h4>\n
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1. Cheung Sha \u2013 Recreation Hub<\/h2>\n
Suitable for Families and Visitors of All Ages<\/strong><\/p>\n
Cheung Sha is near Tung Chung Road and has a strategic geographical position, currently serving as the land transport entry point to South Lantau. Cheung Sha also has a two kilometres long beach, which is the longest in Hong Kong. Visitors can overlook the extensive beach landscape from the east side of the beach and the north side of the hill. There are also emerald green mountains to the north of South Lantau Road. The whole area possesses vast potential for developing leisure and recreational activities. However, due to the sparse provision of ancillary facilities and poor accessibility between Upper and Lower Cheung Sha, most beach activities are concentrated in the Lower Cheung Sha area.<\/p>\n
It is proposed to shape Cheung Sha into a recreation hub, providing facilities for both dynamic and sedentary activities for families and visitors of all ages. These activities range from thrilling adventures and surfing to leisure beach strolls, parent-child swimming, and sightseeing, etc.<\/p>\n
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Lower Cheung Sha Visitor Center: Gathering Point<\/strong><\/p>\n
It is proposed to provide a landmark visitor centre, with an integration of the local environment, near South Lantau Road in Lower Cheung Sha to impress visitors and serve as the entry point to other attractions in South Lantau. The visitor centre will provide a full range of ancillary facilities, including catering, retail, and sight-seeing, as well as indoor and outdoor venues for hosting various events throughout the year (such as markets). The centre will also provide information about the eco-tourism and regional cultural history of South Lantau.<\/p>\n
Cheung Sha Beach: A New Diversified Beach Experience<\/strong><\/p>\n
It is proposed to enhance the existing beach facilities at Cheung Sha Beach, allowing visitors to participate in dynamic activities, such as surfing and kayaking, or passive activities such as beach strolls, etc., according to their preferences in different seasons.<\/p>\n
Adventure Water Sports<\/strong><\/p>\n
It is proposed to provide a diverse range of water-based leisure and recreational activities and ancillary facilities at Upper Cheung Sha Beach, including a new water sports and recreation centre, leisure and adventure water sports zones, a beach campsite and a leisure pier, etc.<\/p>\n
The new water sports and recreation centre will provide catering, storage, and rental services, allowing water sports enthusiasts to participate in different types of water sports according to their preferences.<\/p>\n
Family Fun<\/strong><\/p>\n
It is proposed to provide a barrier-free beach walkway to connect Upper and Lower Cheung Sha Beaches to facilitate visitors to enjoy the scenery and use the beach facilities<\/p>\n
In addition to swimming and sunbathing, families can enjoy their walk along Upper and Lower Cheung Sha through the proposed beach walkway and the proposed facilities along the walkway, including a parent-child playground. They can also enjoy the beautiful beach scenery in the uniquely designed sitting-out area, or participate in outdoor programs held at the versatile beach event venue.<\/p>\n
Cheung Sha Hillside Adventure<\/strong><\/p>\n
Make good use of hillside on the green belt areas to the north of South Lantau Road in Upper Cheung Sha by planning an adventure vacation area, with adventure facilities of different levels of excitement (such as rope adventures), uphill chairlifts, and quality holiday accommodations, etc.<\/p>\n
This will allow visitors of different ages to have a vacation for one to a few days. It provides more opportunities to connect with the nature while appreciating the beautiful scenery of South Lantau.<\/p>\n
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2. Shek Pik \u2013 Leisure and Recreation<\/h2>\n
Suitable for Visitors Who Enjoy Tranquillity, Cultural History, and Photography<\/strong><\/p>\n
Shek Pik Reservoir is the third largest reservoir in Hong Kong with beautiful scenery surrounded by mountains on three sides. From the northern side of the water dam along Keung Shan Road, there is majestic mountain ranges of Lantau Peak and the Big Buddha in Ngong Ping, while the southern side offers views of the tranquil seascapes of Tung Wan and Tai Long Wan. The area also has rich historical resources, including Shek Pik Rock Carving, the ruins of Hung Shing Temple and the former Shek Pik Village, etc. Additionally, it is connected to hiking trails leading to areas such as Ngong Ping and Fan Lau, as well as the catchwater channel to Pui O or Kau Ling Chung.<\/p>\n
It is proposed to provide facilities in Shek Pik for the visitors whose enjoy leisure, tranquillity, cultural history, and photography to provide more possibilities for leisure experience.<\/p>\n
Shek Pik Heritage Trail<\/strong><\/p>\n
The history of the relocation of Shek Pik Old Village for the reservoir construction and the cultural history of Shek Pik District will be showcased along the proposed heritage trail next to Shek Pik Reservoir, as if you were in an open-air museum. Visitor could also enjoy the views of the verdant hills of the reservoir and the sea views of Tung Wan and Tai Long Wan.<\/p>\n
South Lantau Cultural Relics and Village Cultural Tour<\/strong><\/p>\n
Visitors can also learn about the Bronze Age 3,000 years ago, the Shek Pik Rock Craving by local residents, the ruins of the Hung Shing Temple, and the cultural history of the villages in South Lantau, including village traditions.<\/p>\n
Experience the Culture and Nature from Art<\/strong><\/p>\n
In the diversified recreational space of Shek Pit, visitors can have a deeper understanding of the natural environment, appreciate the beauty of nature and respect the local culture through outdoor activities and various cultural and artistic installations that blending in with the environment.<\/p>\n
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3. Shui Hau \u2013 Nature Education<\/h2>\n
Suitable for Visitors Who Love Exploring Nature<\/strong><\/p>\n
Shui Hau has a natural habitats with high ecological value, including sandflat, wetland, woodland and stream, which support a rich biodiversity. Currently many visitors visit the sandflat at Shui Hau Wan to enjoy the picturesque scenery. It is proposed to provide conservation\/ education facilities that blend in with the local environment.<\/p>\n
Education Centre in Shui Hau<\/strong><\/p>\n
It is proposed to provide an education centre next to South Lantau Road in Shui Hau to promote conservation work. The centre will introduce the ecology of the sandflat and horseshoe crabs, etc., which are of conservation value, as well as the traditional village culture and customs of the local area. Visitors can understand more about the natural environment and raise their awareness of conservation through direct experience.<\/p>\n
Sandflat Walkway<\/strong><\/p>\n
It is proposed to provide a walkway along the shore of the sandflat allowing visitors to appreciate the scenery of Shui Hau avoiding steeping onto the sandflat.<\/p>\n
Outdoor Activities<\/strong><\/p>\n
The Education Centre can also serve as a conservation\/education base to host natural ecology and rural culture-based activities to encourage participants to conserve natural resources with ecological value, and visitors can explore the natural habitats and cultural traditions of South Lantau through various activities (farming and wilderness experiences, stargazing, bird watching and ecological tours).<\/p>\n
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4. Pui O \u2013 Nature Education<\/h2>\n
Suitable for Visitors Who Love Exploring Nature<\/strong><\/p>\n
Pui O is another area in South Lantau with significant ecological values. In order to protect the ecological environment and enable the public and visitors to better appreciate and experience the nature, it is recommended to:<\/p>\n
Pui O Treetop Education Corridor for a close-up view of the wooded habitat<\/strong><\/p>\n
It is proposed to provide a walkway on the western side of Pui O Bay: starting from Pui O Beach via the hiking trails, and then connecting to the catchwater channel on the hillside, with a treetop walkway. The walkway also serves as an outdoor classroom to introduce the ecology of local habitats and species (e.g. wetlands). Visitors will be able to have a close-up view of the forest ecology as well as a distant view of Pui O Bay and Chi Ma Wan.<\/p>\n
Glamping Sites<\/strong><\/p>\n
It is recommended to develop glamping sites on the hillside to introduce biodiversity and provide outdoor activities. Visitors thus can learn about the natural ecology through experience education, and those who like to explore the nature in depth can have diversified experiences.<\/p>\n
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Take the Survey<\/a>\r\nIn the News<\/a>\r\nThe Plan<\/a>\r\nResources & Articles<\/a>\r\nWatch the Video<\/a>\r\nRead the Paper<\/a>\r\nLearn More<\/a>\r\nOngoing Research<\/a><\/pre>\n
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Petition<\/h4>\n
Expressing Opinions Through Individual Letters: Don’t Destroy the South Lantau Ecology with the Eco-recreation Corridor<\/a><\/p>\n
The petition is organized by:<\/p>\n
– South Lantau Residents
\n– Save Lantau Alliance<\/a> (Chinese)
\n– Hong Kong Dolphin Conservation Society<\/a>
\n– Lantau Buffalo Association<\/a><\/p>\n
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Take the Survey<\/a>\r\nIn the News<\/a>\r\nThe Plan<\/a>\r\nResources & Articles<\/a>\r\nWatch the Video<\/a>\r\nRead the Paper<\/a>\r\nLearn More<\/a>\r\nOngoing Research<\/a><\/pre>\n
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<\/a>2023: South Lantau Zoning Amendments<\/h3>\n
The Town Planning Board released the proposed revisions last September: Revising the South Lantau Outline Zoning Plan<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Noteworthy changes include:<\/h4>\n
1. Recommendations include converting part of the Coastal Protected Area (CPA) into Recreation (REC) or Government, Institutional or Community (GIC).<\/p>\n
2. Convert part of the country park land (CP) into a conservation area (CA).<\/p>\n
3. Convert part of the green belt (GB) into residential (Category C) [R(C)] (low-density residential) or government, institutional or community (GIC).<\/p>\n
4. Change the annotations of some uses to relax some developments.<\/p>\n
For example:<\/p>\n
(m) Add “strata residential” and “zoo” to the second column of the “Green Belt” “Notes” and revise planning intentions.<\/p>\n
(n) “Green Belt” “Building” in the second column of the “Notes” is revised to “Buildings” (according to the explanation page of the “Notes”, it is permitted to renovate New Territories exempted houses or replace existing domestic buildings with New Territories exempted houses) except for objects)”.<\/p>\n
(o) Delete “Barbecue Place” from the second column of the “Green Belt” and “Coastal Reserve” zones in the “Notes” and add the relevant use to the first column of the “Notes”.<\/p>\n
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Take the Survey<\/a>\r\nIn the News<\/a>\r\nThe Plan<\/a>\r\nResources & Articles<\/a>\r\nWatch the Video<\/a>\r\nRead the Paper<\/a>\r\nLearn More<\/a>\r\nOngoing Research<\/a><\/pre>\n
<\/a>Learn More<\/h2>\n
https:\/\/www.ozp.tpb.gov.hk\/?lang=en<\/a><\/p>\n
Recent research identifies the loophole<\/a> as a major threat to the ecological health of South Lantau.<\/p>\n
Learn to appreciate your greenbelts and the genius of long-term planning<\/a>
\nFinancial Times – by Alexander Lush, Lantau, Hong Kong (13 December 2015)
\nHong Kong\u2019s green Lantau island threatened by Gov\u2019t Grey Cement<\/a>
\nPrezzenza – by Clive Noffke, Lantau, Hong Kong (5 January 2016)<\/p>\n
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Two areas awarded protected status<\/a><\/h3>\n
The Regulated Area in the South Lantau Coast OZP spans 626 hectares across Fan Lau, Tai Long Wan, Shui Hau\/Tong Fuk, Cheung Sha, Pui O, Shap Long\/Chi Ma Wan, Chi Ma Wan Peninsula and Mong Tung Wan.<\/p>\n
The area comprises a wide range of natural habitats, including woodland and shrubland, as well as two streams in Pui O and Tong Fuk that are considered ecologically important.<\/p>\n
The area is considered to be of ecological value and subject to development pressures or environmental degradation risks. Limitations in the pre-amended Town Planning Ordinance meant the Director of Planning was not empowered to take enforcement action in these areas because of their location in OZPs.<\/p>\n
The amended ordinance streamlines the statutory procedures on town planning and enhances enforcement provisions under the ordinance. It empowers the Director of Planning to take actions against unauthorized developments in Regulated Areas. – read full article<\/a><\/p>\n
Read the full proposal<\/a><\/p>\n
Approved South Lantau Coast Outline Zoning Plan amended<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n
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Take the Survey<\/a>\r\nIn the News<\/a>\r\nThe Plan<\/a>\r\nResources & Articles<\/a>\r\nWatch the Video<\/a>\r\nRead the Paper<\/a>\r\nLearn More<\/a>\r\nOngoing Research<\/a><\/pre>\n
<\/a>Ongoing Research<\/h2>\n
A new academic research project launched is gathering scientific evidence regarding Lantau Island Biodiversity Conservation.<\/a><\/p>\n
Concerns can be raised and evidence submitted via ”Tell me@1823”<\/a> where all correspondence is monitored and followed up by relevant departments.<\/p>\n
When receiving a reply that the relevant department is not participating, respond with a request to forward requests to the relevant department in order to receive a direct response that can be followed up.<\/p>\n
Land filling, illegal dumping and development projects<\/a> have escalated since the the 2023 policy address announcement that the loophole will be closed.<\/p>\n
New wetland fences have been sprouting with the speed of invasive species.<\/p>\n
The decades long process has been to alter the ecosystem illegally or with permissions granted for agricultural\u00a0 use and then apply for planning permission on the basis that there is no biodiversity to conserve.<\/p>\n
Surveyors are now as regular as the birdwatchers on the footpaths.<\/p>\n
South Lantau is the canary in the coal mine on global diversity and this post includes relevant historical and current information regarding ongoing issues.<\/p>\n
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Take the Survey<\/a>\r\nIn the News<\/a>\r\nThe Plan<\/a>\r\nResources & Articles<\/a>\r\nWatch the Video<\/a>\r\nRead the Paper<\/a>\r\nLearn More<\/a>\r\nOngoing Research<\/a><\/pre>\n
<\/a>Take the Survey<\/h2>\n
In order to collect public comments on the proposals for the Corridor, we are currently conducting a two-month public engagement until 28 July 2024. We will optimize and refine the details of the proposals with due consideration of the views collected.<\/em><\/p>\n
Take the survey here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Your views are valuable to us, please use the online comment form or send your comments by email, fax or post to the Sustainable Lantau Office on or before 28 July 2024<\/strong>:<\/em><\/p>\n
Contact the Sustainable Lantau Office for more.<\/h3>\n
Sustainable Lantau Office<\/strong>
\nCivil Engineering and Development Department
\n12\/F, 1063 King’s Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong
\nFax: (852) 2114 0064<\/strong>
\nEmail : enquiry@lantau.gov.hk<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/a>Watch the Video<\/h2>\n